Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is proud to announce the winners of the 2024 WSWC Water Ski Athlete of the Year Awards. These athletes have shown exceptional skill, dedication, and perseverance in water skiing, representing Canada on the international stage. Here are the recipients for this year:
2024 WSWC Female Junior Water Ski Athlete of the Year – Kate Pinsonneault
Kate Pinsonneault had an outstanding 2024 season, earning the title of WSWC Female Junior Water Ski Athlete of the Year. As a member of the Junior National Team, Kate qualified for the Jr. Masters and made an impressive mark at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Water Ski Championships in Calgary, Alberta. There, she placed 4th in Jump, competing on home soil. Throughout the year, Kate continued to shine at the 2024 Canadian Water Ski Championships, where she secured four 1st place finishes in the U17 Girls events (Slalom, Trick, Jump, and Overall), and placed 3rd in the Open Women’s Finals Overall event. To finish off the 2024 season, Kate competed at the 2024 IWWF Pan Am Water Ski Championships in Colombia. Here, she claimed 1st place in U17 Girls Jump, 2nd in U21 Girls Jump, 3rd in U21 Girls Slalom, and 1st in U21 Girls Overall.
2024 WSWC Male Junior Water Ski Athlete of the Year – Enzo Kristian
Enzo Kristian is the 2024 WSWC Male Junior Water Ski Athlete of the Year, having delivered stellar performances both in Canada and internationally. Enzo represented Canada at the 2024 IWWF U17 World Water Ski Championships in Calgary, Alberta, competing on the Canadian U17 Worlds Team. He went on to earn significant accolades at the 2024 IWWF Pan Am Water Ski Championships in Colombia, where he placed 3rd in U17 Boys Jump, 3rd in U17 Boys Overall, not to mention, he skied in both the U17 and Open categories. Enzo’s performance at the 2024 Canadian Water Ski Championships further solidified his position, where he placed 1st in U17 Boys Jump, 2nd in U17 Boys Slalom, and 2nd in Open Men Finals Jump. He also placed 2nd in U17 Boys Overall and continues to show promise as one of Canada’s rising stars in water skiing.
2024 WSWC Female Water Ski Athlete of the Year – Neilly Ross
Neilly Ross has earned the title of 2024 WSWC Female Water Ski Athlete of the Year following a record setting season. As a member of the National Team, Neilly made history by breaking the Open Women’s Trick World Record twice, first with a score of 11,380 points and then surpassing it with 11,430 points. She has many podium finishes in some of the world’s top water skiing competitions, including a 2nd place finish in Open Women Trick at the 2024 Moomba Masters and a 2nd place finish in Open Women Trick and Open Women Slalom at the 2024 US Masters. Neilly also secured multiple top finishes at events such as the 2024 Swiss Pro Tricks, Monaco Cup, and the Botaski Pro Am. At the 2024 Canadian Water Ski Championships, she took home 1st place in both the Open Women Trick and Open Women Trick Finals events. Neilly’s exceptional performances throughout the year have undoubtedly earned her this well-deserved recognition.
2024 WSWC Male Water Ski Athlete of the Year – Cole McCormick
Cole McCormick has been named the 2024 WSWC Male Water Ski Athlete of the Year, following a season full of remarkable accomplishments. He achieved a significant victory at the 2024 US Masters as Men’s Slalom Masters Champion. Additionally, he secured 3rd place finishes at the 2024 Monaco Cup, the 2024 Fungliss Pro Am and the 2024 Lake 38 Pro Am, demonstrating his consistent performance and skill across different events. At the 2024 Canadian Water Ski Championships, Cole placed 2nd in the Open Men’s Slalom, further highlighting his strong performance this year. These accomplishments led to his well-deserved recognition.
Congratulations to all the award winners! Their dedication, achievements, and passion for the sport continue to inspire athletes across Canada and beyond. We look forward to seeing what these exceptional athletes will accomplish in the future!