CANADIAN WATER SKI ATHLETES SHINE AT THE 2023 IWWF WORLD WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Team Canada at the Opening Ceremonies of the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
The Canadian Water Ski Team has left a lasting mark at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships, which unfolded from October 10 to 15 at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida. The extraordinary dedication and exceptional skill of Canada’s 18 athletes were on full display, resulting in a haul of 10 top 5 finishes, 2 gold medals, 2 bronze medals, and the highly coveted Team Overall silver medal. Every athlete made their nation proud in this thrilling competition.
6-Member Canadian Team:
The 6-Member Canadian Team was on full display as the team not only secured second place behind Team USA (with France taking third), but also participated in eight finals across the slalom, tricks, and jump events.
Ryan Dodd (AB) demonstrated his talent in the Men’s Jump event. During the preliminary round, he jumped 69m/226ft, securing the top seed. In the Men’s Jump Finals, Ryan delivered a breathtaking first jump of 69.9m/229ft, which earned him the coveted title of World Champion. This remarkable victory marked Ryan’s fifth consecutive World Title, reaffirming his status as a legendary water ski champion.
Dorien Llewellyn (AB) showcased unshakable determination, battling through a foot injury that had kept him sidelined for the majority of the season. Against all odds, he not only qualified for the Men Tricks Finals but also secured a bronze in Men Overall.
Neilly Ross (ON) showcased her exceptional abilities in both Women Slalom and Tricks, securing a respectable 4th place in each event. In the Slalom Finals, she ran 2@10.75m/39off, which tied her for 3rd place but ultimately led to a well-deserved 4th position.
Paige Rini (ON) made an unforgettable debut in the World Jump Finals. Paige also secured a 5th place finish in Women Tricks and a 4th place finish in Women Overall.
Conley Pinette (BC) left his mark in Men’s Jump, earning a finals spot and finishing in the 9th position.This achievement marked Conley’s highest Worlds placement and is a testament to his dedication and growing expertise.
Whitney McClintock Rini (ON), despite an unfortunate early fall in the finals, played a pivotal role in ensuring Team Canada’s overall placement, demonstrating her commitment to the team’s success.
Canadian Individual Athletes:
Jaimee Bull (ON) entered the competition as the reigning World Champion in Women Slalom and added another feather to her cap by securing the back-to-back World Championship Title.
Stephen Neveu (AB) exhibited his finesse in Men’s Slalom, earning his first World Medal with a Bronze and achieving an impressive score of 3@10.25m/41off.
Cole McCormick (ON) marked his debut in a Worlds Final with a remarkable performance in Men Slalom, securing the 4th position with a score of 3@10.75m/41off.
Olivia Chute (NS) showcased her skills by reaching the Women Tricks Finals, marking her first appearance in a World Finals and finishing in the 9th position.
Hannah Stopnicki (QC) made a remarkable impression during her first Open Worlds. She exceeded expectations in the preliminary rounds, setting a personal best with a score of 7260 points, the first time she tricked over 7000. This achievement secured her a spot in the Women Tricks Final, where she finished in 10th place.
Megan Pelkey (AB) marked her inaugural World Championships, showcasing the bright future of Canadian water skiing.
Dominique Grondin-Allard (QC) was a force in Women Jump, entering the finals as the second seed, her jump measuring 51.9m/170ft.
Thomas Daigle (QC) made an impactful debut, jumping an astounding 61.1m/200ft in Men Jump – a personal best and first time jumping 200 feet.
Carter Lucas (SK), on his first World Championships appearance, leaped 57.7m/189ft in Men Jump prelims.
Charlie Ross (ON) in his second World Championships appearance scored a commendable 3.5@10.75m/39off in Men Slalom.
Jamie Calhoun (ON), in his second World Championships, scored 3@10.75m/39off in Men Slalom.
Bradley Gibbons (AB), a fresh face in the Men Slalom event, made his mark at his debut World Championships.
Water Ski Canada commends every athlete for their unwavering commitment, resilience, and exceptional skill. Their achievements serve as an inspiration to future generations and reinforce Canada’s position as a dominant force in the world of waterskiing.
About Water Ski Canada
Water Ski Canada is the national governing body for water skiing in Canada. Our mission is to promote, foster, and develop the sport of water skiing in all its forms throughout the country. We support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, and work to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Thank you to MyFamily Pets Canada and MyFamily Pets for the Team Canada Uniform sponsorship.
Compete Results, https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/classic/23IWWF13/
More photos of skiers are available on Getty Images, https://www.gettyimages.ca/search/photographer?photographer=Johnny%20Hayward
WSWC ANNOUNCES 2024 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is delighted to unveil its Board of Directors (BOD) for the 2024 term. Following the 2023 Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Town Hall held yesterday, WSWC has formally elected its new BOD.
The entire WSWC community extends its heartfelt gratitude to the departing members of the Board of Directors for their exceptional service, dedication, and contributions. Their tireless efforts have contributed immensely to the betterment of the water skiing and wakeboarding community in Canada.
Departing Board of Directors:
Zack Grossman – Director at Large
Matt Rini – Water Ski Director
Scott Robertson – Director at Large
As we bid farewell to the past directors, it’s also a moment of celebration as we welcome and congratulate our newly elected Board of Directors. Their commitment and passion for the sport will surely drive WSWC to new heights.
Additionally, a special thanks to the continuing Board of Directors who generously contribute their time, expertise, and energy to serve the WSWC community.
The 2024 Board of Directors for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is as follows:
Erin Aubrey – Director at Large (newly elected)
Heather Butts – Director at Large
Rae-Lee Colcleugh – Director at Large (re-elected)
Russ Dickson – President
Bradley Gibbons – Water Ski Director (newly elected)
Johnny Hayward – Director at Large (newly elected)
Dorien Llewellyn – Athlete Rep Director
Jaime McClintock – Director at Large (re-elected)
Todd Spalding – Wake Director
About Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada:
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is the national governing body for water skiing and wakeboarding in Canada. Dedicated to promoting these sports at every level, WSWC provides resources for athletes, coaches, and enthusiasts, fostering excellence and sportsmanship within a vibrant community passionate about the water.
WSC ANNOUNCES ATHLETES FOR THE 2023 IWWF WORLD WATER SKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Professional Team Canada Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is elated to announce the selection of its national athletes who will compete in the highly anticipated 2023 World Water Ski Championships. The world-class event is set to take place from October 7 to October 15, 2023, at the iconic Sunset Lakes in Groveland, FL.
Canadian Team Athletes (6 Persons):
- Ryan Dodd (AB) – Specialty: Jump
- Dorien Lewellyn (AB) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick, Jump
- Conley Pinette (BC) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick, Jump
- Paige Rini (ON) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick, Jump
- Neilly Ross (ON) – Specialties: Slalom, Trick
- Whitney McClintock Rini – Specialty: Slalom
Individual Athletes:
- Jaimee Bull (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Jamie Calhoun (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Cole McCormick (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Stephen Neveu (AB) – Specialty: Slalom
- Charlie Ross (ON) – Specialty: Slalom
- Olivia Chute (NS) – Specialties: Trick and Slalom (Wild Card)
- Hannah Stopnicki (QC) – Specialty: Trick
- Dominique Grondin-Allard (QC) – Specialty: Jump
Wild Card Athletes:
- Thomas Daigle (QC) – Specialty: Jump
- Carter Lucas (SK) – Specialty: Jump
- Megan Pelkey (AB) – Specialty: Trick
- Bradley Gibbons (AB) – Specialty: Slalom
Water Ski Canada is proud to have Kyle Hunter on board as the Team Manager for the championships, ensuring our athletes receive top-tier support throughout the competition.
This stellar lineup of athletes represents the talent, dedication, and passion in the world of water skiing in Canada. The country will undoubtedly be watching with immense pride and anticipation as our athletes showcase their skills on the global stage.
About Water Ski Canada
Water Ski Canada is the national governing body for water skiing in Canada. Our mission is to promote, foster, and develop the sport of water skiing in all its forms throughout the country. We support athletes at all levels, from grassroots to high performance, and work to ensure a safe and inclusive environment for all participants.
Professional Team Canada Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography