By Jack Burden

WEST PALM BEACH, Fla. — Canadian water skier Neilly Ross set a pending world record in women’s tricks with a score of 11,380 points at the Okeeheelee 3-Event Record Tournament this weekend, surpassing the current record by 20 points. If approved, Ross’s score would end U.S. skier Erika Lang’s eight-year streak as the record-holder, potentially marking a shift in the competitive landscape of women’s tricks skiing.

“11,380!! Well, I can’t believe I’m saying this right now, but today I set a pending world record!” Ross exclaimed on social media following the event. “For 16 years, I have put every ounce of effort into the dream of one day achieving this.”

Ross’ world record run

The record-setting run features an innovative hand sequence, in which Ross splits her six flips down the middle to perform a series of wake spins and ski line tricks. However, it’s her toe run that truly sets her apart, breaking 5,000 points—a rare feat for a female trick skier.

Ross, the youngest of the elite trio of Lang, Anna Gay, and herself, has long been considered one of the sport’s top talents. While Lang and Gay have traded off the women’s tricks record since 2013, Ross’s record-breaking performance may signal a changing of the guard, with the young Canadian now pushing the boundaries in an event where she set numerous records through the junior ranks.

If approved by the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation, Ross’s score would exceed Erika Lang’s current record of 11,360 set at the Travers LCQ in 2023.