Wendy Botha "2009 Woman of the Year"

A prolific South African surfer, Wendy Botha won four world titles (1987, 1989, 1991, 1992) and three Surfer Poll Awards (1990, 1991, 1993). Born in 1963, Botha began surfing at age 13 and won four consecutive South African National Championships from 1981 to 1984. She turned pro in 1985 and finished the season ranked seventh in the world, earning rookie-of-the-year honors. 

Botha became an Australian citizen in 1989 and would go on to win a record seven world tour events that year. In 1992, she shook up the surf world by posing nude for Australian Playboy…and then went on to win her fourth world title. She retired from competitive surfing after the 1993 season and moved to New Zealand with her husband.