Brazilian admits to 'fan-girling' during win over Gilmore at Bells Beach

Young Brazilian Luana Silva says she was overwhelmed to defeat one of her idols, Australian Stephanie Gilmore, at Bells Beach.Gilmore's World Surf League (WSL) return as a full-time competitor started on the wrong note on Saturday.Silva eliminated the eight-time world surfing champion in the first round.Gilmore, a four-time winner at Bells Beach, had previously never finished worse than the quarterfinals.Silva led throughout their heat in the four- to six-feet conditions, scoring 11.83 to 6.10.Gilmore, 38, is competing in the World Surf League as a wildcard after a two-year sabbatical from full-time competition.Silva was runner-up to Australian Isabella Nichols at Bells Beach last year.She said Gilmore helped inspire her to become a professional surfer."I don't think I could have had a harder match-up … she's the 'GOAT'," Silva said."She had more to lose than I did, but at the same time, these last two years, I actually got her spot when she wanted to take the break."So it's like, 'Thanks Steph, I can't be your friend in the water'."But I'm stoked I have the most respect for her — she's just the GOAT, I love her.''Silva said she focused on her own surfing but admitted to being in awe of Gilmore as they went head-to-head."When I paddled out there, it was such a 'pinch-me' moment