Contrary to recent headlines proclaiming a 92-year-old woman as the world’s oldest female water skier, the story overlooks a true legend of the sport. Lucille Borgen, hailing from Babson Park, Florida, not only water-skied into her mid-90s but also competed at the U.S. Water Ski National Championships at the remarkable age of 94, securing the slalom and tricks title in her age division.
Borgen, the oldest competitor ever at the U.S. Nationals, holds a distinguished place in the sport’s history. Inducted into the Florida Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame in 2005, her legacy goes far beyond any Guinness World Record.
Born and raised in the Midwest, Borgen’s journey as a tournament water skier began later in life. Discovering the thrill of the sport at the age of 40, she was hooked on the tournament scene after clinching victory at the Ohio State Championships at 46 in 1959. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that saw her win more than 30 national titles and break numerous records.
Remarkably, Borgen still holds the Women’s 9 (75-79 years) jump record and the Women’s 11 (85 years and over) slalom record.
Beyond her accomplishments on the water, Lucille Borgen was a dedicated volunteer, always ready to contribute as a boat judge, shore judge, or dock starter. In recognition of her contributions, she received the American Water Ski Educational Foundation’s Award of Distinction in 2005.
Borgen, who survived polio as a child, cancer as an adult, and suffered a complete loss of vision in her left eye at 91, passed away at age 98 on June 8, 2012.
Not to take anything away from Dwan Yong, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest female water skier, anyone still skiing into their 90s is incredibly impressive. However, Guinness has missed the mark in neglecting a legend of water skiing – Lucille Borgen.
Valentina Gonzalez celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as she returned to the water for the first time since her season-ending injury in September of the previous year. In a recent Instagram post, the Chilean athlete expressed her gratitude for the valuable lessons learned during the challenging four months of recovery and her unwavering determination to return stronger than ever.
Gonzalez, who finished 5th in women’s jump on the Waterski Pro Tour and is currently ranked within the top 10 for both jump and overall, sustained a severe ankle injury during jump practice in the lead up to the record setting Malibu Open. Since undergoing surgery back home in Chile in late September, she has undergone a rigorous routine of over 65 sessions of physical therapy, hyperbaric chamber sessions, gym workouts, and biomechanics sessions.
Reflecting on the emotional toll of missing the two most anticipated tournaments of her career, the 2023 World Championships and Pan American Games, Gonzalez emphasized her commitment to turning the page and concentrating on physical and mental preparation for the upcoming year.
Expressing her eagerness to return to the sport she loves, Gonzalez shared her heightened enthusiasm, stating that she was “more hungry than ever to get back to doing what I like most. There is very little left!!!”
In a symbolic moment, Gonzalez posted a video capturing her first set back on her trick ski since the accident last September. The video showcased her skills, executing multiple flips on her home lake, Lago Valle Maipo. Gonzalez conveyed her excitement at being back on the water after nearly four months, underscoring how much she missed the invigorating feeling of being on the lake.
This triumphant return marks the end of a challenging chapter for Gonzalez, which she has referred to as the “four most difficult months of my career.” With her sights set on upcoming competitions, Valentina Gonzalez is poised to reclaim her position as one of the most promising young talents in women’s jump.
The IWWF Water Ski Council has given the green light to four new flips for the upcoming season, potentially infusing the sport with a sense of novelty and innovation. However, despite this approval, one of the creators of these flips is expressing skepticism, stating, “you will never see them in a tournament” at current point values.
1. BFLSLB (“Super Half Twist”)
Backflip with a ski-line-back
Submitted by Clarens Lavau
Approved at 850 points
2. BFLSLO (“Supermobe Front-to-Front” or “UFO”)
Backflip with a ski-line-360
Submitted by Joel Poland
Approved at 900 points
3. RFFLF (“Reverse Half Jack”)
Frontflip from the back-to-the-front (regular and reverse)
Submitted by Axel Garcia
Approved at 850 points
4. FFLSL5F (“Super Front Five” or “Matrix”)
Frontflip with a ski-line-540 from the back-to-the-front
Submitted by Joel Poland
Approved at 950 points
Joel Poland, the architect behind two of these flips, revealed his reservations about the process for assigning point values to new tricks. Both the ‘UFO’ and ‘Matrix’ were successfully executed in 2022, with Poland debating whether it was worthwhile to submit them for approval. In correspondence with the IWWF, he shared, “[I] didn’t feel like it was worth sending them in as the point values would make them another trick on the list we would never see in competition.” Poland remained hopeful, stating, “But I have hope that we can come together and create a point value that makes them worthwhile.”
Upon learning the IWWF-assigned point values, Poland expressed understandable frustration. Regarding the ‘Matrix,’ a frontflip with a 540-degree spin over the rope, he voiced disbelief that it was valued only 150 points more than a regular frontflip. In his words, “The point values for high difficulty flips, in my opinion, are crippling trick and limiting the athletes.”
Poland’s frustration resonates with many top trick skiers and fans, who are in agreement that there is a pressing need for change in the point values assigned to high-end flips.
The most perplexing aspect of this issue is that no one seems opposed to a revision of the trick points in principle. IWWF Water Ski Council Chairman Candido Moz has expressed vocal support in the past for rationalizing trick values. As recently as October, he urged the newly formed Trick Working Group to bring forth proposals for better recognizing “the true difficulty levels” across tricks.
As Freddie Winter highlighted in an insightful Waterski Journal article on the subject, the issue is how to get a consensus on specific changes when each skier, or coach, has a vested interest in elevating the value of tricks they excel at while suppressing the value of those they do not. In the past “the skiers could never agree on point values, so [the] IWWF never received a proposal,” shared Moz.
Instigating change, especially in the face of entrenched interests, is difficult. It may require a new generation to step forward and advocate for reforms. Poland, for his part, remains steadfast. “[I] intend to be very vocal about [point values] in the coming months.”
As we bid farewell to 2023, it’s time to revisit the unforgettable moments from this year’s water ski season. From seemingly impossible comebacks to record-breaking feats, each competition created its own narrative filled with anticipation, intensity, and sheer excitement.
Throughout 2023, skiers showcased their talents across three World Championships—Under-17, Under-21, and Open—two professional tours, the Waterski Pro Tour and WWS Overall Tour, and legacy events like the Moomba and U.S. Masters. The year witnessed record-breaking prize purses, and the quality of streaming for water ski enthusiasts continued to soar. Join us as we count down our selection of the top 10 unforgettable moments from the 2023 season.
Nate Smith flew to Europe this summer on an incredible run of form. After winning the Fungliss ProAm in France, his unbeaten streak in professional competitions tallied an impressive 27, one of the longest winning streaks in water ski history.
Following the qualifying rounds of the Botaski ProAm in Spain, where he finished with an equal top score of 1 @ 9.75m (43’ off), Smith seemed on track for another victory. He made easy work of his first head-to-head bracket, advancing to the semifinals. However, up against the young and relatively unknown Italian Brando Caruso, Smith faltered at 10.25 meters (41’ off), coming up half a buoy short of Caruso.
Facing defeat graciously, Smith shared, “After 27 wins in a row, I got to spray a competitor above me in the face with champagne. Congrats [Brando Caruso] for knocking me out… and Freddie [Winter] for ultimately taking first.”
One of the hardest workers on the professional circuit, Allie Nicholson had been threatening to post a big score for some time. As the only skier to attend all 12 Waterski Pro Tour slalom events in 2023, her breakthrough came during the European leg at the Kaiafas Battle ProAm. In a qualifying round, the American became only the 12th woman ever to run 10.75m (39.5’ off). Announcer Matteo Luzzeri remarked, “We were waiting for the next lady to run 39, and here we have her; she just hammered it, super confident. She decided now, today’s my day.” Nicholson was elated with the performance, stating, “I almost didn’t ski; I wasn’t feeling good before I skied, and I’m so glad I did. I’m on cloud nine right now.”
Nicholson’s success continued with a victory at the San Gervasio ProAm the following weekend and multiple more successful attempts at 10.75m, including at the Calgary Cup the following month.
Erika Lang had one of the closest things our sport has seen to a perfect season. In May, she broke her own world record during the Master’s LCQ. Throughout the season, she won three out of four professional events, broke the World Championships record on the way to her second world title, and closed out the season with a Pan American Games gold.
This incredible season was marked by Lang’s consistency, surpassing 11,000 with increasing regularity. The standout moment for Lang was at the U.S. Masters, where she achieved the second-ever score over 11,000 in a professional tournament by a woman. Her winning score, in the challenging conditions of Robin Lake, would have been enough to secure her a podium place in the men’s event.
During the final series of the men’s slalom elimination round at the World Championships, the sun dipped lower on the horizon, presenting competitors with a challenging glare. Joel Howley became the first skier to wear sunglasses during his run, with the boat driver handing them to him for each pass into the glare. Others attempted to mitigate the increasingly difficult glare with eye black. In a candid interview, Freddie Winter commented on the conditions, emphasizing that “we’re all trying to survive as opposed to perform.” Further stating “it’s dangerous, it’s scary, and it minimizes our performance.”
Despite the challenging conditions, most of the top skiers successfully advanced to the finals. Notably, two-time former champion Will Asher suffered an early exit at 10.25m (41’ off). The day concluded with an electrifying eight-way runoff for the final two spots, with young Vincenzo Marino attempting a 10.75m (39.5’ off) pass in what might be the coldest start ever after not skiing for three days. In the end, Cole McCormick and Corey Vaughan secured their tickets to the finals.
Before Patricio Font broke the world trick record in 2022, it had been the longest-standing record in three-event waterskiing, remaining unbroken since 2011. Proving that it was far from a one-off performance, Font extended his world record to 12,690 at the Master’s LCQ in May, before pulling out the record run in his victories at the Botaski ProAm, setting a professional tournament record, and in the preliminary round of the World Championships, setting a World Championships record.
This top seed position proved critical, as Louis Duplan-Fribourg, after executing a superb hand pass, seemed poised to achieve another big score. However, an equipment malfunction caused his toe strap to release before his final toe trick, preventing a score that could have totaled 12,580 points. Patricio Font, realizing the opportunity presented by Louis’ misfortune, opted for a less challenging run, omitting his Ski-Line-Seven, and cruised to victory with another huge score of 12,470 points.
With a stated goal of breaking 13,000 points, Font is at the forefront of a new wave of trick skiers redefining the boundaries of the sport. Although his potential record of 12,770 was ultimately downgraded upon IWWF review, we expect more big scores from him in the future.
Although still a regular at the top of the podium, Freddy Krueger showed signs of slowing down throughout the season. At the MasterCraft Pro, his second professional win of the season, he very nearly missed the final after failing to qualify on his first two jumps. The 48-year-old veteran then delivered the biggest jump of the tournament on his third and final attempt with 70.7 meters (232 feet).
The following weekend at the Malibu Open, Joel Poland set the pace early with a jump of 69.3 meters (227 feet), which held firm through six skiers and seemed poised to force a jump-off for the title. However, Krueger clinched the championship with an extraordinary 71.0-meter (233 feet) jump on his third and final attempt.
Finally, at the World Championships, Krueger was in serious danger of missing the final, not to mention jeopardizing U.S.A.’s chances in the teams competition, after managing only 56.4 meters (185 feet) from his first two jumps. Yet again, his wealth of experience came to the fore, enabling him to qualify on his third attempt, ultimately going on to finish runner-up in the final and help Team U.S.A. to a world title.
In a picturesque setting in the south of France, the WWS Overall Tour opened its 2023 season with an extraordinary performance by Louis Duplan-Fribourg. The Frenchman soared to new heights, setting a national jump record at 68.1 meters (223 feet), igniting the local crowd and taking the lead in the overall competition. Announcer Glen Williams acknowledged Duplan-Fribourg’s achievement, stating, “We’ve talked for a long time about Joel Poland and Dorien Llewellyn, and now there are three names in that category.” Duplan-Fribourg’s performance positioned him among the world’s top overall skiers.
“I was a little stressed after Louis’ big jump; when someone goes out and jumps that far, it’s intimidating,” said Poland in his post-jump interview. In the tightest overall battle of the year, Poland managed to win the event by the razor-thin margin of less than 3 overall points—equivalent to a quarter buoy or a side slide.
As the WWS Overall Tour unfolded, the French contender’s newfound jump form combined with his world-class tricking kept him ahead of the rest of the pack, finishing close second to Poland in all four tour stops. The final stop in Florida saw him extending the French national jump record, and shortly after, he clinched his first professional jump placement at the MasterCraft Pro.
His trick performance at the World Championships broke both the French national and World Championships records in the preliminary round. This impressive foundation paved the way for his breakthrough world title, cementing his status not just as a trick skier but as a rising star among the world’s top overall skiers.
The Malibu Open, with over two decades of history, returned to LymanLand in Alabama for the second consecutive year, delivering nearly nonstop record-breaking excitement. First, Regina Jaquess solidified her status as one of the greatest women’s slalomers of all time by setting a new world slalom record of 5 at 10.25 meters (41‘ off) in the preliminary round. Then, Hanna Straltsova became only the third woman ever to jump over 190 feet during the finals, not only claiming victory in the tournament but also securing the season title of the Waterski Pro Tour. Finally, Joel Poland broke his second world overall record in as many weeks, achieving scores of 2@10.25m in slalom, 11,680 in tricks, and 69.3 meters (227 feet) in jump. The latter score very nearly won him the jump event too.
In an interview following her record-breaking performance, Jaquess shared her elation and gratitude, saying, “Oh my gosh, I don’t even know what to say, I’m shaking. I think getting out of two this morning unlocked a little bit of mental pressure because it was my best score. I haven’t gotten a three since my ACL [surgery], so thank you, Andrews Sports [Medicine], for getting me back together. This is unbelievable, and to do it at the Malibu Open behind Malibu Boats… I got mental; I should have run it… it felt so amazing.”
For number two, we go all the way back to the very start of the year, to the Under 17 World Championships in Santiago, Chile. This tournament was filled with promising young talents and exhilarating moments on the water. However, the peak of tension unfolded during the boys’ slalom final. Skiing early in the lineup, positioned 3rd and 5th off the dock, respectively, Australian Lucas Cornale and Mexican Nicolas Nelson set an early pace with 3 @ 10.75m (39.5’ off), falling just half a buoy short of the World Championships record. This combined lead persisted through all 12 competitors, necessitating a runoff to determine the winner.
Starting at 11.25 meters (38′ off), Nelson skillfully navigated the pass, narrowly missing four ball at 10.75 to match his initial score. As Cornale entered the course for his chance to challenge, announcer Tony Lightfoot noted, “Nicolas Nelson [is] still in the course.” Cornale fell early around buoy two but promptly signaled for a reride by raising his ski in the air. Meanwhile, Nelson, having initially stayed within the buoy line, was slowly making his way to the shore, perhaps overwhelmed by the occasion. After a split decision from the judges, Cornale’s request for a reride was denied. Nevertheless, the Australian team lodged a formal protest citing unsafe skiing conditions, which was ultimately upheld.
Seizing this opportunity, Cornale successfully completed the 11.25-meter pass, matching Nelson’s runoff score of 3 @ 10.75m. Once again, the young men found themselves in a runoff, this time with Cornale starting first. Unfortunately, the Australian fell early at 11.25m, leaving the door open for Nelson, who ultimately claimed the world title by navigating around three buoys. This dramatic double runoff set the stage for an intense start to the year.
It should come as little surprise that our top pick for the number one moment of 2023 involves the hottest commodity in world water skiing right now – Joel Poland. Many moments came to mind for the extraordinarily talented Brit: his first 70-meter (230-foot) jump at the California Pro Am, and his back-to-back world records set live on webcast to close out the professional season—any of these could have easily made this list. However, it was his World Championships effort, ironically one of the only events he didn’t win, that stood out the most.
Poland, who only needed 10,000 points to make the trick final, stood up in his opening toe pass “like clockwork,” as remarked by announcer Glen Williams. Williams added, “I don’t think he has a B run; [he] pretty much just goes for it no matter what.” Fifteen seconds later, Poland, along with his overall aspirations, were in deep water after he fell during his signature Super-Mobe-Five, ruling himself out of the final and overall contention—or so it seemed.
The following day, the down-and-out Joel Poland, who had shaved his head overnight, skied with the determination of a man with nothing to lose. Poland took a bold approach, attacking the 10.25m (41’ off) pass rather than taking the safer route of securing his spot in the final with an S-turn mid-pass. The Brit produced the defining performance of the World Championships, becoming the newest member of the 41-off club. Suddenly, he was back in the overall title race.
Poland described his emotions, saying, “I’m not gonna lie. I lost sleep over that trick run, I’ll probably lose a little more too. But, the job was not done and giving up is not an option. After a small talk with myself and a new f*cking haircut, I felt like I had nothing to lose… that’s a dangerous feeling. Now the rest is history.”
Poland would ultimately come up short of the 70.6-meter (232-foot) jump he needed to secure the world overall title, finishing in second to the well-deserving Louis Duplan-Fribourg. However, his comeback will be remembered as one of the greatest World Championships performances of all time.
Honorable Mentions
Jacinta Carroll’s continued dominance on the Yarra
Three skiers running 10.25m (41′ off) in a single round at the Kaiafas ProAm
Three skiers jumping over 70m (230′) in a single round at the California ProAm
The incredibly tight battle for Waterski Pro Tour season title in women’s slalom
Nate Smith’s close call with the jump ramp at the Traver’s Grand Prix
Dorien Llewellyn’s and Lauren Morgan’s injury comebacks for World Championships medals
The 2023 water ski season proved to be a historic one, with outstanding performances and records tumbling across various categories. Here’s a glimpse into the remarkable achievements that defined this unforgettable season:
1. Rabbit Remains Unbeaten
Jacinta Carroll’s victory at the 2023 Moomba Masters was her 34th consecutive* professional jump title, maintaining an unbeaten streak since 2013. Her career winning percentage stands at an impressive 79%.
2. The Highest Scoring Year, Ever!
Over 25% of all trick scores exceeding 12,000 points were accomplished in 2023. Even more remarkable is the fact that over half of the female trick scores surpassing 11,000 points were achieved in this same year.
3. A ‘Joel of All Trades’
Throughout 2023, Joel Poland attained podium finishes in slalom, trick, jump, and overall in professional competition. He stands as the sole individual in the 21st century to accomplish this remarkable feat within a single year, and only the second man this century, following Adam Sedlmajer, to achieve it over the course of his career.
4. Among the Greats
Securing his fifth consecutive World Championships victory, Ryan Dodd became the second oldest skier ever to clinch a world title, only three days younger than Andy Mapple. Only Mapple in slalom and Patrice Martin in overall have won more golds (six) in a single event.
5. Records on the Big Stage
Joel Poland’s performance at the WWS Florida Cup marked the first instance of a world record being broken at a professional tournament since the 2005 U.S. Masters. Additionally, the two world records set by Regina Jaquess and Poland at the Malibu Open marked the first time multiple world records were set in a professional tournament since the 2002 Malibu Open.
* Carroll’s 34 consecutive victories did not include Moomba Night Jump victories. If you add those and her World’s titles it is an astounding 42 consecutive wins at elite events!
In a surprising and disappointing development for water skiing enthusiasts worldwide, the sport has been left out of the roster for the 2025 World Games scheduled to be held in Chengdu, China. This departure from tradition is significant, considering that water skiing has been a consistent feature in every edition of the World Games since its inception in 1981. Instead, the allocation of 88 athletes for towed watersports will spotlight wakeboarding, both cable and boat, and wakesurfing—making its debut at the World Games. The decision was reached through consultations between the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) and the Chinese national federation.
Over the years, the Games has showcased water skiing’s traditional three events—slalom, trick, and jump—or overall competitions, providing a platform for athletes to exhibit their skills on a global stage. Water skiing has such a rich history in the Games that Patrice Martin sits at 6th on the all-time individual medal standings and was recently nominated for the World Games greatest athlete of all time. Other former champions include IWWF Hall of Famers such as Sammy Duvall, Bob LaPoint, Helena Kjellander, and Emma Sheers.
However, due to the evolving landscape of the World Games and the allocation of athlete quotas, compromises have been necessary over the years. From 2001 to 2009, as the number of disciplines expanded to include barefoot and wakeboard, the count of traditional three-event athletes and medals had to be reduced. The compromise was to compete only in overall, displaying all three events on this significant global stage but narrowing the pool of competitors. Since 2013, the Games has included three-event water skiing alongside wakeboarding.
The decision to exclude water skiing from the 2025 Games was influenced by various factors. The host country, China, has shown limited interest and participation in three-event water skiing in recent years. No Chinese athlete has competed in an IWWF-sanctioned water ski tournament since before the Covid pandemic, and prior to that, participation numbers were low, and the sport had been in decline. In contrast, the sports included for 2025 highlight China’s recent robust participation, with active involvement in the IWWF Asia Wakefest wakeboard and wakesurf series, including hosting an event earlier this month.
Moreover, considerations about the designated venue, Sancha Reservoir, played a pivotal role. Setting up the infrastructure for traditional three-event water skiing—involving jump ramps, courses, and officiating technology—demands substantial resources and manpower. Wakeboarding and wakesurfing, being less infrastructure-intensive, were deemed more suitable for the venue.
The 2022 World Games in Alabama faced similar challenges, underscoring the logistical hurdles of organizing water ski events at non-specialized venues. Athletes have been vocal about their dissatisfaction with repurposed venues, as seen in the criticism of the World Championships in France and Malaysia.
Critics within the water skiing community often point to the sport’s efforts to be included in the Olympic Games in the ’90s and 2000s as a contributing factor to its decline. While the impact of these endeavors is debatable, the exclusion from the World Games raises concerns about the sport’s visibility on a global scale.
The World Games, often considered a stepping stone to the Olympics, provides valuable exposure for water skiing, including mainstream media coverage. The decision to exclude the sport, in favor of other towed water sports, reflects a broader industry shift towards wakesports, leaving traditional three-event water skiing on the sidelines.
In the face of this setback, the water skiing community hopes for a reevaluation of future editions of the World Games, advocating for the inclusion of the sport that has been an integral part of the event for over four decades.
In a recent Instagram post, Louis Duplan-Fribourg revealed that he underwent shoulder surgery a month ago on November 15th, following the World Championships. Despite the challenging setback, the reigning world overall champion expressed optimism about his recovery and his anticipation to return for the upcoming 2024 season.
Sharing insights into his journey, Duplan-Fribourg acknowledged the undisclosed struggles he faced with a painful shoulder over the past couple of years. In collaboration with his team, he decided that the post-World Championships period presented an opportune moment to address the issue through surgery. Currently immersed in the rehabilitation process, Duplan-Fribourg assured his followers that he is fully committed to preparing for the next season.
Duplan Fribourg’s podium finishes included a third place in tricks at the U.S. Masters and a debut jump podium at the MasterCraft Pro. Undoubtedly, he concluded his season on a high note with an outstanding performance at the World Championships. During the preliminary round, he set the highest-ever trick score in the event’s history, only to be surpassed by Patricio Font three skiers later.
Despite an intense challenge from Joel Poland, Duplan-Fribourg secured his first world title in the overall event. His skill was further highlighted with a runner-up finish in men’s trick, coming within an equipment malfunction of the gold medal. We look forward to seeing Duplan-Fribourg back on the water in the upcoming season.
In a devastating turn of events, the water skiing community is mourning the loss of 29-year-old Colombian athlete Mateo Botero Rodrigues, who tragically lost his life in a motorcycle accident on Sunday, December 10.
The Colombian Federation of Water Skiing and Wakeboard, expressed their deepest condolences, remembering Botero as not only a great sportsman but also a friend and colleague. With more than fifteen years dedicated to the sport, Botero was a well-known figure, and his legacy is expected to endure in the hearts of athletes and friends alike.
A standout three-event water skier, Botero excelled in the jump event, earning a place among Colombia’s top jumpers of all time. His skill and passion were showcased in numerous major tournaments, including the recent 2022 Latin American Championships, where he secured a 3rd place in Open Men Jump.
The tragic accident occurred on the Las Palmas road in Medellín, Antioquia, Colombia. Botero lost control of his motorcycle near Carrera 10 and Calle 59 through La Colegiatura, colliding with a railing and succumbing to the impact. Authorities swiftly responded to the scene but were unable to revive Botero.
Motociclista de moto de alto cilindraje falleció en la avenida las palmas, se lo comió la curva pic.twitter.com/mBXxcdXlzt
Competitors and friends within the water skiing community, deeply affected by this irreplaceable loss, have taken to social media to express their grief and commemorate the life of a remarkable athlete.
In a surprising turn of events, the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) announced the relocation of the 2024 World Over 35 Waterski Championships from Stratos Lake in Agrinio, Greece, to BOTASKI in Sesena, Spain. The decision, made during an IWWF Executive Board meeting in Clermont, Florida, comes as a result of the Greek host Federation’s inability to prepare its venue for the anticipated large participation numbers by the specified deadline.
José Antonio Pérez Priego, President of the IWWF, expressed regret over the decision but emphasized the necessity to host events where venues can accommodate substantial numbers of participants. Pérez Priego clarified that while Greece may not host the 2024 Championships, it does not rule out the possibility of Greece hosting future events, and the decision was made in the best interest of the participating skiers.
The move follows the IWWF’s consideration of the lessons learned from the 2022 Championships in France, where the event attracted a significant number of skiers. The inability of the Greek organizers to meet the deadline for venue preparations prompted the IWWF to withdraw hosting rights and assign them to BOTASKI in Spain.
Critics have pointed out that extending the deadline for the Greek site’s preparations might have been a preferable option. However, Pérez Priego defended the decision, stating that it was crucial for the sake of the skiers and ensuring a venue capable of handling the event.
The organizers in Greece are expected to lose their non-refundable deposit paid to the IWWF for hosting the event.
BOTASKI is no stranger to hosting prestigious waterski events. Having previously hosted the 2016 Over 35 World Championships, the 2015 Under 21 World Championships, and the 2018 Under 17 World Championships, the venue is well-equipped and experienced in managing international waterski competitions. The 2024 Championships at BOTASKI are scheduled to take place from the 4th to the 8th of September, promising a high-quality and well-organized event for participants and spectators alike.
Renowned water skier Jacinta Carroll, holder of the current world record and the only woman to jump 200 feet, has embraced a new chapter in her life. Jacinta and her husband, Sam Weeks, celebrated the arrival of their baby girl, Amelia Ray Weeks, born on December 2nd. The couple opted to keep much of the pregnancy journey private.
The pregnancy kept Jacinta from defending her title at this year’s World Championships. The most dominant female jumper of all time, she is undefeated in professional tournaments since 2013, securing another victory at the Moomba Masters earlier this year.
Since 2021, Jacinta has chosen not to compete outside of Australia, prioritizing her career as a physiotherapist and, now, her growing family over competitive water skiing. Whether Jacinta will return to top-level competition in the future remains to be seen.
Independent perspectives on tournament water skiing
