Image: IWWF
We are saddened to inform the waterski world about the passing of Franz Kuhn who was the European Confederation President for many years.
The IWWF appreciates Franz’s many years of good service and send its deepest condolences to his family on their lost.
RIP, Franz.
Please read his obituary below
Full obituary at IWWF.
Image: @this_is_tgas
By Jack Burden
The 2024 European Water Ski Championships, the world’s longest-running international water ski tournament, delivered yet another chapter of thrilling competition. Held annually since 1947, this prestigious event has a rich legacy, drawing Europe’s finest competitors, particularly from federations with strong government backing. The latest edition was no exception, featuring standout performances from past and present World Champions, including Louis Duplan-Fribourg, Manon Costard, Martin Kolman, and Elena Thomsen.
However, the highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the men’s slalom event, which culminated in a dramatic finish between two Italian skiers. The field was stacked with Waterski Pro Tour regulars, including the formidable 41-off club member Sacha Descuns. But it was the Italian contingent, with veteran Thomas Degasperi and rising star Brando Caruso, who stole the spotlight.
In a gripping showdown, Degasperi and Caruso both scored 3@10.25m (41′ off), forcing a runoff. The two teammates navigated the 10.75m (39.5′ off) course with precision, tying again at three buoys—not just once, but twice. In a third runoff, the pair remained locked at two buoys, showcasing their incredible consistency in running their fourth 10.75m of the day. Exhausted and running out of time to conclude the event, Degasperi and Caruso agreed to share the European title, a fitting end to an inseparable battle.
Reflecting on the event, Caruso expressed his excitement: “It was a great tournament, it’s always a battle. Last year we had a huge battle, so it’s a pleasure to share the podium with my teammate and to be here and put up big scores.”
Degasperi, too, was pleased with the outcome: “It was a battle with three runoffs; it was a lot of fun and very challenging. He’s a great competitor, so I’m very happy to share the podium with him.”
For Caruso, this title marks his first European Championship, while for Degasperi, it’s his fifth consecutive win since 2019 and his 11th overall. His impressive tally places him second only to Patrice Martin, who holds the record for the most European Championships in a single discipline, with 15 trick titles.
At 43, Degasperi remains in incredible form, currently sitting in 6th place on the Waterski Pro Tour leaderboard at the halfway point of the season. His latest triumph further cements his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.
Image: Wikimedia Commons
By RTB
4 minute play
In this quiz, you have to name the male skiers with the most consecutive European titles of all time.
The list contains 18 skiers, all of whom have won at least three consecutive European championships. One of England’s most dominant skiers sits atop this list with an eight-year streak in overall. We have mentioned their country, the event and years of their consecutive titles.
Image: IWWF
The world of waterskiing mourns the loss of Dr. Günther Ludwig, one of the most esteemed judges, who passed away on May 14, 2024. Dr. Ludwig’s contributions to the sport, especially in cable waterskiing, have left an indelible mark, shaping the course of its history and development.
Dr. Günther Ludwig was a respected figure at the IWWF European Championships, both in cableski and waterskiing, where his expertise and fairness set the standard for judging. His outstanding dedication has been recognized globally, culminating in his role as Chief Judge at the IWWF World Waterski Championships in Medellin, Colombia, in 1997. His leadership and integrity ensured that the competitions he oversaw were of the highest standard, earning him respect and admiration from athletes and colleagues alike.
Full article at IWWF.
The 76th IWWF European Championships, the longest-running international water ski tournament, is scheduled to take place in the South of France from August 9th to 11th.
Events: Slalom, Trick, Jump, Overall, & Teams
Schedule:
In Remembrance of Franz Kuhn (1935-2024) | IWWF The IWWF is saddened to inform the waterski world about the passing of Franz Kuhn who was the European Confederation President for many years.
Degasperi Secures 11th European Championship in Dramatic Fashion The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the men's slalom event, culminating in a dramatic finish between two Italian skiers.
Quiz: Most Consecutive European Men’s Titles One of England's most dominant skiers sits atop this list with an eight-year streak in Overall.
Image: Athletes Soul
By RTB
July 25, 2023
5 minute play
In this quiz, you have to name the female skiers with the most consecutive European titles of all time.
The list contains twenty-one skiers, all of whom have won at least three consecutive European championships. An Austrian jumper with a seven year winning streak in the 1990s sits on top of this list. We have mentioned their country, the event and years of their consecutive titles.
