Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is thrilled to celebrate the outstanding achievements of our adaptive athletes with the announcement of the 2024 WSWC Adaptive Awards. These athletes have demonstrated exceptional dedication, resilience, and performance on the water, inspiring us all with their remarkable journeys. Join us in honoring the incredible accomplishments of Chloe Giroux, Phil Kerr, Ashley Baerg, and Blake Lamontagne as they receive well-deserved recognition for their achievements in adaptive water skiing. Their stories of perseverance and excellence set a powerful example for future generations of athletes.
2024 WSWC Female Development Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year: Chloe Giroux
Congratulations to Chloe Giroux on being named the 2024 Female Development Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year! Chloe’s journey is one of resilience and transformation. After facing life-changing circumstances, she transitioned from a high-performance volleyball player to an adaptive water skier. In just one year, Chloe has achieved remarkable progress, showing the true power of determination and a positive attitude. Her performances at record-capable tournaments and as a representative of Team Canada at the US Nationals in Florida have highlighted her incredible talent. Chloe’s ability to push through adversity and her commitment to the sport are an inspiration to all. We look forward to seeing how she continues to excel in adaptive sports—her future is incredibly bright.
2024 WSWC Male Development Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year: Phil Kerr
Congratulations to Phil Kerr on being named the 2024 Male Development Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year. Phil’s transition from adaptive wakeboarding to adaptive water skiing has been nothing short of extraordinary. His “ALL IN” mentality not only defines his approach to sport but also to life. Phil’s ability to continuously learn, improve, and push the boundaries of what’s possible is awe-inspiring. His coachability and positive energy make him a joy to work with and foster an encouraging training environment for his peers. On the international stage, Phil made an incredible mark at his first World Championships, where he earned a silver medal in Jump. His impressive performance continued into 2024 at the US Nationals in Florida, where he took first place in Seated Men’s Jump, improving his score from the previous year and coming within reach of breaking the world record. Phil’s dedication to his sport is a testament to his character, and we are excited to see where his journey takes him next.
2024 WSWC Female Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year: Ashley Baerg
Ashley Baerg is a true powerhouse in adaptive water skiing, and her recognition as the 2024 Female Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year is well-deserved. After overcoming significant challenges, including a hiatus during the COVID-19 pandemic, Ashley made an extraordinary return to the sport in 2023 and 2024. Her performances have been nothing short of stellar, including a dominant showing at the 2023 IWWF World Championships, where she placed first in trick and jump among MP3 athletes and claimed the overall title in the MP3 category. In 2024, Ashley continued to build on this success with a series of incredible achievements at the US Nationals, including first place in Seated Women’s Slalom, second place in Seated Women’s Tricks, and first place in Seated Women’s Jump. These milestones are a true reflection of her dedication, skill, and mental toughness. Ashley’s unwavering commitment to excellence and her comeback make her the perfect choice for this award.
2024 WSWC Male Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year: Blake Lamontagne
Blake Lamontagne is a true trailblazer in adaptive water skiing, and his recognition as the 2024 Male Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year is a testament to his exceptional talent and determination. Blake’s 2023 performance was groundbreaking, as he shattered the MP3 Trick world record with an astonishing 1440 points. His extraordinary achievements didn’t stop there—Blake’s 2024 season continued with outstanding performances at the US Nationals, where he earned second place in Seated Men’s Slalom, second place in Seated Men’s Tricks, and third place in Seated Men’s Jump. His relentless drive to improve, combined with his ability to perform under pressure, makes him one of the sport’s premier athletes. Blake’s record-breaking performances and his unwavering pursuit of excellence solidify his position as one of the top athletes in the sport. His achievements inspire others to push the limits of what’s possible in adaptive water skiing.
These athletes embody the spirit of adaptive water skiing, demonstrating resilience, sportsmanship, and dedication. Their achievements on the world stage inspire us all, and we can’t wait to see what they accomplish next. Join us in celebrating their incredible accomplishments and the bright future that lies ahead for each of them!