By Jack Burden

A year after being unwelcome at Callaway Gardens, British slalom skier Freddie Winter is making his comeback at the Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament, stating, “My aim is to win.”

A two-time Masters champion, clinching consecutive titles in 2019 and 2021, Winter was not invited to Robin Lake last year due to alleged unsportsmanlike behavior at the 2022 Masters.

However, the reigning world champion is thrilled to be back for the 2024 edition.

“I won the last two times I was given a fair shake at competing, I’m excited to go try and win a third one.” Winter expressed in an episode of the Distance From Center podcast.

“I’ve had a number of people say to me, you really shouldn’t go, you should show them what you think of that tournament, and I’ve said nope, I’m definitely going to go, my aim is to win,” Winter added.

Over the past year, Winter has arguably been in the best form of his career. Following a runner-up finish on the Waterski Pro Tour, he concluded the season with consecutive wins, including his second World Championships title, followed by his first Moomba Masters title earlier this year.

“It would really fun to in the space of 6-8 months to have won the Worlds, Moomba, and the Masters. To hold them all at the same time would be an absolute dream,” Winter remarked.

Explaining his exclusion from the 2023 Masters by Nautique, the tournament organizer, Winter stated he was deemed ineligible to compete “after a situation at [the previous] edition when I reacted emotionally to a ‘video’ judging decision.”

Reflecting on his absence from last year’s tournament, Winter admitted, “it hurt me not to be there.” He confessed, “I went out the night before and got absolutely black out drunk… during the Master’s final I was out surfing… I was not interested whatsoever in that tournament.”

Regarding suggestions to boycott the Masters, Winter found it intriguing. “it’s interesting that people would even suggest that… I’ve heard it from a great number of people,” he shared. Evidently, the thought never crossed his mind. “I’m built for competing, I’m enjoying it almost more and more,” Winter affirmed.

Ultimately, Winter says it best: “The best protest would be to win it, wouldn’t it?”

By Jack Burden

The Masters water ski tournament, one of the most prestigious events in the sport, has been embroiled in controversy after a top skier and former champion, Freddie Winter, was banned from competing this year. The decision has sparked intense debate among fans, athletes, and experts with opinions divided on the severity of the punishment and whether it was justified.

Winter’s suspension stems from an incident involving alleged unsportsmanlike conduct and intimidation of officials during the 2022 Masters. On his 10.75m (39.5′ off) pass, Winter was given a score of 5 by the tower judges and 6 by the boat judge. The boat camera did not track the skier as he approached six ball, so no video review was available. After his score was confirmed, Winter protested the judging decision and was seen discussing the outcome with chief judge, Felipe Leal, which is when the alleged misconduct is said to have taken place.

Neither Winter nor the Masters organization have commented publicly on the specifics of the alleged misconduct. However, Winter recently spoke on the TWBC podcast about the ban, which includes the 2023 Masters and both Masters Qualifying Series Events.

Critics argue that the ban on Winter for the following year is excessive and disproportionate to the offense committed. They question whether the decision was influenced by sponsorship considerations, suggesting that if Winter had been sponsored by Nautique, the tournament organizer, a different outcome might have occurred. The alleged link between sponsorship and the ban has raised concerns about the integrity of the competition.

Supporters of Winter point out that his passion and intensity on the water bring excitement and entertainment to the sport, comparing it to the fiery personalities of tennis legends John McEnroe and Jimmy Connors. One could argue that such passion attracts more viewers and should be celebrated rather than punished.

However, it is crucial for athletes to recognize the responsibility they hold as role models for children. Unsportsmanlike conduct can set a negative example for impressionable young minds. It is also important to remember that the judges who officiate these competitions are volunteers, dedicating their time and expertise to ensure fairness and accuracy. In other sports, it is common for athletes to face suspensions for unsportsmanlike behavior. Such disciplinary actions not only serve as a reminder of the importance of respectful conduct but also contribute to fostering a positive and inclusive sporting environment.

The controversy surrounding Winter’s ban has touched on broader trends in the sport, including the changing face of the Masters event and the declining interest among younger generations. Some fans have expressed their disappointment, questioning whether they will watch the event this year. They argue that the absence of one of the top skiers in the world diminishes the quality and prestige of the competition.

As the controversy continues to unfold, the Masters tournament faces the challenge of restoring confidence in their brand as one of the most prestigious events in the sport.

See below for footage of Winter reacting to the judges’ call.

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Update (3/26/2024): The original version of this article alleged that Winter left “the pavilion at Robin Lake under the supervision of Callaway Gardens security.” We have not been able to substantiate this claim and therefore have removed it.