WSWC NAMES 2026 CANADIAN NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Names 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team
World Champions and international medalists headline Canada’s national team roster
CALGARY, AB – MARCH 19, 2026 – Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) has announced the athletes selected to the 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team. These athletes earned their selection through strong performances at national and international competitions and will represent Canada throughout the upcoming season.
The Canadian National Water Ski Team program recognizes athletes from across several tiers based on competitive results and international rankings. The 2026 team features multiple world champions, record holders, and rising international stars.
“Canada continues to produce some of the best water ski athletes in the world, and this year’s national team reflects both the strength and depth of our high-performance program,” said Kyle Hunter, High-Performance Director & Sport Coordinator for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada. “We are proud of the performances these athletes delivered last season and look forward to supporting them as they represent Canada on the international stage throughout 2026.”
Several athletes delivered standout performances during the 2025 season.
Jaimee Bull of North Bay, ON, continued her dominance in Women’s Slalom, becoming a three-time and three-peat World Champion. Bull also secured the Waterski Pro Tour Championship in 2025.
Ryan Dodd of Olds, AB, a five-time World Champion and current world record holder in Men’s Jump, placed second at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Dodd also recently captured the 2026 Moomba Masters Men’s Jump title, adding another major victory to his career.
Dorien Llewellyn, originally from Lake Worth, FL, with family roots in Innisfail, AB, is the reigning Men’s Overall World Champion. At the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships, Llewellyn also earned bronze in Men’s Jump.
Charlie Ross of Winter Garden, FL, who trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer, continued his rise in Men’s Slalom in 2025. Charlie is the two-time and reigning U21 World Champion, finished second in Men’s Slalom at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Championships, and is the U21 world record holder. Most recently, he captured his second consecutive Moomba Masters Men’s Slalom title.
Neilly Ross, Charlie’s sister, also from Winter Garden, FL, and training in Muskoka during the summer months, is the reigning Women’s Trick World Champion. She recently finished second in Women’s Trick at the 2026 Moomba Masters.
Several other athletes on the 2026 team have also achieved significant success on the international stage. Whitney McClintock-Rini of Cambridge, Ontario is a nine-time World Champion and multiple-time Pan Am Games medalist. Hannah Stopnicki of Montreal, Quebec is the reigning U21 World Champion in Women’s Trick. Cole McCormick, originally from Dundee, Florida with family roots in Kitchener, Ontario, placed third in Men’s Slalom at the 2025 Masters, after winning the event the previous year. Stephen Neveu of Calgary, Alberta is a multiple-time professional event podium finisher, Pan Am Games silver medalist, and World Championships bronze medalist in Men’s Slalom. Paige Pigozzi, from Florida with family roots in Kingston, ON, is a multiple time Pan Am Games medalist and professional event podium finisher.
The 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team reflects both experienced international competitors and emerging athletes who continue to elevate Canada’s presence on the world stage.
The athletes selected to the 2026 Canadian National Water Ski Team are:
Tier 1
- Jaimee Bull – North Bay, ON
- Ryan Dodd – Olds, AB
- Dorien Llewellyn – Lake Worth, FL (family from Innisfail, AB)
- Charlie Ross – Winter Garden, FL (trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer)
- Neilly Ross – Winter Garden, FL (trains in Muskoka, ON during the summer)
Tier 2
- Whitney Rini – Cambridge, ON
- Paige Pigozzi – Clermont, FL (family from Kingston, ON)
Tier 4
- Olivia Chute – Fall River, NS
- Cole McCormick – Dundee, FL (family from Kitchener, ON)
Tier 5
- Hannah Stopnicki – Montreal, QC
Tier 6
- Thomas Daigle – Saint-Hippolyte, QC
- Carter Lucas – Saskatoon, SK
- Stephen Neveu – Calgary, AB
These athletes will compete at major national and international competitions throughout the 2026 season, representing Canada at professional tour stops and international championships.
About Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is the national governing body for towed water sports in Canada. WSWC supports athletes from grassroots participation through high-performance competition and oversees national teams representing Canada at international events.
DORIEN LLEWELLYN PODIUMS IN TRICK AT THE 2025 MASTERS
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Canadian National Water Ski Team Members, Dorien Llewellyn placed 2nd in Pro Men’s Trick at the 65th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament at Robin Lake, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA.
In the semifinals, Dorien scored 11060 points, securing his spot in the finals. In the finals, Dorien scored 10680 points, earning him 2nd place in a highly competitive field.
The Masters Tournament, held annually since 1959, is one of the most prestigious events in waterskiing and wakeboarding, bringing together the world’s top athletes. Dorien’s performance in Pro Men’s Trick underscores his continued excellence and his place among the top competitors in the sport.
Follow the Action:
- Event Information: Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament website.
- Results for Masters tournaments: Masters Results
DORIEN LLWELLYN SET TO COMPETE AT THE 2025 NAUTIQUE MASTERS
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is excited to announce that Alberta’s Dorien Llewellyn, will compete at the 65th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament from May 23-25, 2025, at Robin Lake, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA.
Dorien is a back-to-back Gold medalist in Men’s Overall at the Pan Am Games and the 2021 World Champion in Men’s Trick. He will compete in the Men’s Trick event, with the preliminary round taking place on Saturday, May 24, 2025, and the finals on Sunday, May 25, 2025, depending on his performance.
The Masters Tournament, held annually since 1959, is regarded as the pinnacle of waterskiing and wakeboarding, attracting the world’s best athletes. Dorien’s impressive achievements and past performances have earned him a well-deserved spot among the top competitors in the sport.
Follow the Action:
- For event updates, athlete list, and full tournament schedule, visit the official Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament website.
- View live results: Masters Results
6 CANADIAN COMPETING IN TRAVERS GRAND PRIX
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Next stop on the Waterski Pro Tour: Travers Grand Prix!
This weekend, from Friday to Sunday (October 4-6, 2024), the action is going down at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, FL, and Canada has 6 athletes competing in the Open events:
Paige Rini (ON)
Whitney McClintock Rini (ON)
Jaimee Bull (ON)
Dorien Llewellyn (AB)
Jamie Calhoun (ON)
Cole McCormick (ON)
Catch all the excitement live through TWBC, https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLM3-mBhqIdiVYqO_IX6zFQhhjiW8IVDZ2&si=uHIqHj7NJ3qctaM8
For schedule and live results, https://iwwfed-ea.org/classic/24SUSA17/
Photos by Johnny Hayward Photography
CANADIANS COMPETE AT SWISS PRO TRICKS
- Sean Kraus
- Dorien Llewellyn
- Hannah Stopnicki
- Neilly Ross
2024 CANADIAN NATIONAL WATER SKI TEAM
Professional Headshots: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is pleased to unveil the 2024 Canadian National Water Ski Team. These 13 extraordinary athletes span across 6 provinces around the nation.
Meet the team representing Canada:
Jaimee Bul, ON
Olivia Chute, NS
Ryan Dodd, AB
Taryn Grant, MB
Dorien Llewellyn, AB
Whitney McClintock-Rini, ON
Cole McCormick, ON
Stephen Neveu, AB
Conley Pinette , BC
Paige Rini, ON
Neilly Ross, ON
Charlie Ross, ON
Hannah Stopnicki, QC
A huge congratulations to each member of the team! Your dedication, skill and passion for water skiing inspires us all.
BACK-TO-BACK GOLD FOR DORIEN LLEWELLYN AT THE 2023 SANTIAGO PAN AMERICAN GAMES
Dorien Llewellyn on the Men’s Overall Podium at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games
Photo by Express Media / Panam Sports
In an awe-inspiring display of tenacity and skill, Canada’s Dorien Llewellyn secured Gold in the Men’s Overall category at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games, adding to his golden legacy that began with his victory in Lima 2019.
Llewellyn’s performance in the Overall Finals highlighted his versatility and determination, starting with a strong show in the Slalom event where he scored 3@10.75m/39off. The competition intensified as he jumped 63.9 meters. But the true spectacle was during the Tricks segment. Facing a challenging 30-point deficit, Dorien unleashed a masterclass, scoring 11,000 points. This feat not only propelled him into the lead but sealed his gold victory with a decisive margin of 280 points.
This gold achievement adds a glowing finish to his already notable Pan American Games journey. Just the day before, Llewellyn earned Silver medals in both the Men’s Jump and Men’s Trick events.
Speaking on the overwhelming emotion and celebration after his last run, Llewellyn shared, “That’s kind of just been the built-up energy from the last four months… To end on that trick run was amazing… I’m also excited to regroup and focus on getting my foot 100% again.”
Remarking on the challenges he faced, he said, “It’s been a rollercoaster of emotions. After slalom, I knew I put myself in a really good spot. To have that moment where you celebrate and I turn around and my dad is celebrating in the boat, that’s amazing. To be able to share that history with him, it’s something that I don’t think a lot of people have and I’m truly grateful.”
Jaret Llewellyn, Dorien’s father and a 12-time Pan Am Games medalist, shared in the pride and reflected on the journey, “It was a rough season. Athletes are always shooting for the gold. We just didn’t even know if we were even going to be here so this is just an incredible way to end the season.” On his own experiences versus witnessing his son’s achievements, he expressed, “It was much easier skiing than going through this. It’s one of the best experiences.”
With two consecutive Overall Gold medals at the Pan Am Games, Dorien Llewellyn’s narrative is one of perseverance, resilience, and unparalleled skill, and stands as an inspiration for aspiring athletes everywhere.
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.
6 MEDAL DAY FOR WSWC AT THE 2023 SANTIAGO PAN AMERICAN GAMES
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada: Day 3 Recap – 2023 Santiago Pan American Games
Morning Highlights:
The day kicked off with Neilly Ross and Paige Rini competing in the Women’s Slalom Finals. Neilly gleamed with a silver-worthy score of 3@10.75m/39off. Not far behind, Rini made Canada proud by clinching bronze with a score of 1@10.75m/39off.
Paige Rini: A Day of Bronzes:
Paige Rini wasn’t done after the morning’s triumph. She returned to the scene in the Women’s Jump Finals, where she soared to an impressive 47.3m, adding another bronze medal to her collection. Later in the Women’s Trick Finals, Paige put up a valiant fight, finishing in 6th place. Be sure to keep an eye out for her tomorrow, as she’s set to compete in the Women’s Overall Finals competing in all three events; Slalom, Tricks, and Jump.
Neilly Ross’s Silver Streak Continues:
Today was undeniably Neilly Ross’s day at the Pan American Games. After her spectacular performance in the Women’s Slalom Finals, she switched gears to dominate the Women’s Tricks Finals. Her passion and expertise rewarded her by scoring 10,870 points and earning herself another silver medal.
Dorien Llewellyn: Dual Silver Success:
Dorien Llewellyn had fans on the edge of their seats. First, in the Men’s Jump Finals, he leaped a near-gold 64.5 meters, missing the top spot by a mere 0.2 meters. Then, he showcased his versatility in the Men’s Tricks Finals, scoring 10,690 points and earning himself another silver medal. All eyes will be on him in tomorrow’s Men’s Overall Finals.
Canada’s Wakeboard Star:
Ashley Leugner, representing the maple leaf, took on the Women’s Wakeboard Finals and achieved a commendable 5th place.
What’s Next:
The end for Water Ski and Wakeboard at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games approaches! Tomorrow will see the Women’s Overall Finals, Men’s Overall Finals, and Men’s Wakeboard Finals. Paige Rini and Dorien Llewellyn, are set for the Overall Finals. Meanwhile, Hunter Smith will aim to dazzle in the Wakeboard Finals.
Join us and be part of the excitement! Don’t miss a moment and follow the live webcast and real-time results.
Livestream: https://www.panamsportschannel.org/main
Schedule and Results: https://results-santiago2023.org/#/discipline/WSK/schedule/daily
WSWC CELEBRATES DORIEN LLEWELLYN’S TWO SILVER MEDALS AT THE 2023 SANTIAGO PAN AM GAMES
Dorien Llewellyn Jumping in the Men’s Jump Finals on October 23, 2023 at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.
Photo by Express Media / Panam Sports
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada proudly congratulates Dorien Llewellyn on his outstanding performance at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games. In a thrilling display of skill and determination, Dorien secured two silver medals in Men’s Jump and Tricks.
In the highly competitive Men’s Jump Finals, Llewellyn delivered an extraordinary performance, leaping 64.5 meters, merely 0.2 meters short of claiming the gold medal. Addressing his incredible feat, he said, “It was a good day. Obviously getting medals at all is awesome and to get two in the two finals I was in is great.”
Reflecting on his silver in the jump event, Llewellyn stated, “I’d be lying if I said the silver in Jump wasn’t a little disappointing, especially to come that close. You’re talking about .2 meters; it’s tough.” He also acknowledged the challenges he faced following a significant foot injury, remarking, “I hold myself to a high standard and I feel like coming back from this injury with my foot, I’m just not where I was before, and it’s tough when you feel like you’re a little bit stuck in a cage.” In a gracious nod to his competitors, he added, “At the end of the day, Milo went out and crushed a jump, and I couldn’t match that. So congrats to him.”
Llewellyn’s exceptional day continued with the Men’s Trick Finals, where he achieved a remarkable 10,690 points. “To back it up with another silver in trick was great,” he remarked. “I was sitting in fourth going into the finals, and I went out and stood up. The name of the game is to always stand up and let everyone else make mistakes. The two guys made a couple of mistakes, and that’s just the game.”
Although he hasn’t yet secured the gold, Llewellyn remains resilient and focused. Looking ahead to the Men’s Overall Finals, slated for tomorrow, October 24, 2023, he expressed his determination, saying, “I haven’t gotten that medal yet that’s the right color, but the overall final tomorrow, so I’ll try to step it up.”
Dorien also discussed the emotional and physical challenges of returning to the jump event following a major injury, explaining, “Today was probably the first jump set where I came into it, and I was super pumped. It’s tough to go out there knowing that you had a serious injury in jump.” He further emphasized, “It’s improvements mentally and physically on the water.”
As he anticipates the upcoming finals, Llewellyn exudes confidence, stating, “I feel good. Everything I did today was an improvement on the first round, so if I just keep that momentum going, then I feel really good about where I am.” He highlighted the importance of consistency, sharing, “At the end of the day, same thing as what I did in the trick finals. You’ve got to go out there; you’ve got to put a score down. Other people might make mistakes, you try to limit your own and just see what happens.”
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to support Dorien Llewellyn in his quest for excellence, and we invite fans to join us in cheering him on as he embarks on the Men’s Overall Finals, where he will compete in Slalom, Trick, and Jump. It’s sure to be another remarkable day on the water.
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.
CANADA’S DORIEN LLEWELLYN SET TO COMPETE IN FINALS AT THE 2023 SANTIAGO PAN AM GAMES
Dorien Llewellyn Competes in the Men’s Jump Prelims on October 22, 2023 at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games.
Photo Credit: Express Media / Panam Sports
Canada’s Dorien Llewellyn has made an impressive mark by reaching the finals in both the Men’s Trick and Men’s Jump events at the 2023 Santiago Pan American Games. This achievement shines even brighter given that it is Dorien’s second Pan American Games appearance.
In the 2019 Lima Pan Am Games, Dorien clinched gold in the men’s overall, silver in tricks, and bronze in jump. This year, he is accompanied by his Coach and father, Jaret Llewellyn, a renowned figure in the sport with 12 Pan Am Games medals under his belt.
Reflecting on his performance today, Dorien stated, “I’ve left a little bit to be desired in both Trick and in Jump.” Speaking about his Trick Prelims, he added, “I went out and stood up both my runs. That’s always the first objective as a trick skier – to stand up and make the finals.” Although currently sitting fourth in Tricks, Dorien remains optimistic. “I’m just on the outside looking in on the podium but it’s an awesome place to be for tomorrow because I get to go out there and put a score down. If I put out a big score, we never know what could happen.”
Discussing the jump prelims, Llewellyn shared, “I went out as the last skier. I haven’t had a ton of jump experience this year from crashing earlier in the year so there was still a little bit of those nerves, a little bit of butterflies.” He confidently adds, “I think I put myself in a good position to put out a big jump tomorrow in the finals.”
Dorien’s resilience shines through as he comments on his journey post-injury. “It’s been challenging for sure coming off of this injury. I’ve basically had a month of training leading up to this.” He continued, “The World Championships was a huge test and this is just another test. Coming to a site I haven’t been to in four years and still having some doubt about what’s the limitations of my body at the moment – it’s challenging. But, I’m going to go out there and give it my best.”
The highly anticipated Jump and Trick Finals are set to take place tomorrow, October 23, 2023. Fans and enthusiasts can see updates, schedules, and results by visiting the link here, https://results-santiago2023.org/#/discipline/WSK/schedule/daily.
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.
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
ALBERTANS FIND SUCCESS AT 2023 IWWF WORLD WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS WITH 3 MEDALS
Ryan Dodd, Stephen Neveu and Dorien Llewellyn competing at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography.
The 2023 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Waterski Championships concluded on October 15th at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida. Water Ski Canada proudly announces that three Albertans have clinched medals, showcasing Canada’s strong presence in the global water ski scene.
Stephen Neveu’s Slalom Triumph
Making waves in Men’s Slalom, Stephen Neveu clinched his first-ever World Championships medal, a commendable bronze. Battling through challenging water conditions, Neveu’s determination shone brightly as he delivered a remarkable score of 3@10.25m/41off. This achievement marks a monumental milestone in Neveu’s water skiing career, proving his place amongst the world’s elite.
Ryan Dodd’s Legendary Feat in Men Jump
Demonstrating unshakable consistency and unparalleled skill, Ryan Dodd emerged as a 5-time World Champion in Men Jump. Dodd’s victory is even more astonishing considering that in the last five world championships, he has seized victory on his first jump in four of these events and on his second jump in one. With a commanding jump of 69.9m/229ft, Dodd added the 2023 title to his previous wins in 2015, 2017, 2019, and 2021, further solidifying his legacy in the sport.
Dorien Llewellyn’s Outstanding Comeback
After grappling with a foot injury that took him off the water for much of the season, Dorien Llewellyn made a grand comeback at the World Championships. Winning his second World Overall medal in addition to an impressive 4th place in Men Tricks. Llewellyn’s resilience and invincible spirit, especially in the face of adversity, is truly commendable.
As the sun sets on the 2023 Championships, Water Ski Canada and the entire Canadian water ski community celebrate the triumphant performances of their athletes and look forward to even more successes in the future.
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.
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
TEAM CANADA WINS SILVER AND INDIVIDUAL ACCOLADES AT THE 2023 IWWF WORLD WATERSKI CHAMPIONSHIPS
Team Canada Wins Silver at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships. From Left to Right: Neilly Ross, Paige Rini, Whitney McClintock Rini, Ryan Dodd, Conley Pinette, Dorien Llewellyn. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography.
Water Ski Canada proudly announces that Team Canada has emerged triumphant with a silver medal at the 2023 International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Waterski Championships held at Sunset Lakes in Groveland, Florida from October 10 to 15, 2023.
The six-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.
Highlighting the individual accomplishments:
Ryan Dodd (AB) showcased a spectacular performance to be crowned the 2023 Men Jump World Champion for the fifth time in a row.
Dorien Llewellyn (AB) demonstrated impressive skills, placing 4th in Men Tricks and clinching the title of 2023 Men Overall World Bronze Medalist.
Neilly Ross (ON) showed consistent excellence by placing 4th in both the Women Tricks and Women Slalom events.
Paige Rini (ON) secured a commendable 5th place in Women Tricks and 4th in Women Overall.
Contributions from both Conley Pinette (BC) and Whitney McClintock Rini (ON) played a pivotal role in ensuring Team Canada’s overall placement.
“Our athletes have once again showcased the depth of talent we possess in Canada. From individual accolades to team contributions, this Championship has been a testament to the dedication, passion, and hard work of our team. We’re incredibly proud of their achievements.” said Water Ski Canada representative.
Water Ski Canada extends its warm congratulations to Team USA on their gold medal finish and to Team France for their bronze achievement.
To all the athletes, supporters, sponsors, and fans nationwide, we express our deepest gratitude. Your belief and backing have been instrumental in this journey, and we eagerly anticipate more shared successes in the future.
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.
Results, https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/competition.php?cc=T-23IWWF13&page=overall_team_classification
More photos of skiers are available on Getty Images, https://www.gettyimages.ca/search/photographer?photographer=Johnny%20Hayward
FIVE CANADIAN WATER SKI ATHLETES MAKE THEIR WAY INTO THE TRICK FINALS AT THE 2023 WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS
Dorien Llewellyn Tricks during Prelims at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships. Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography.
The anticipation is palpable as the first day of finals at the 2023 IWWF World Waterski Championships is set to commence tomorrow at Sunset Lakes. Canada is proudly represented by four exceptional athletes in the Open Women and Open Men Tricks Finals.
Dorien Llewellyn from Alberta, with an impressive score of 10,540 points in the Trick Prelims, will be vying for a top spot in the Open Men Tricks Finals. Currently ranked 9th going into finals, Dorien is determined to elevate his standing.
On the women’s side, Neilly Ross of Ontario has secured her position in the Open Women Tricks Finals with a score of 10,430 points. Neilly currently stands at 2nd place, showcasing Canada’s strong presence in the competition.
Also representing Ontario is Paige Rini, who made her mark in the Trick Prelims with 9,030 points. As she heads into the finals, Rini is currently positioned at 6th place and is geared up to deliver an impressive performance.
Nova Scotia’s Olivia Chute, having scored 7,510 points in the prelims is the fourth Canadian to secure a spot in finals. As she prepares for the Open Women Tricks Finals, Olivia is positioned at 11th place. This is Olivia’s first Open Worlds Finals.
Quebec’s Hannah Stopnicki scored a personal best of 7260pts in the prelims to punch her ticket into the Open Women Tricks Final. This is Hannah’s first Open Worlds and she has made it through to the finals. Hannah will be positioned 12th going into the finals.
These dedicated athletes will be showcasing their skills on the water tomorrow, Saturday, September 14th, 2023. Canada’s waterski community and fans nationwide eagerly await their performances, confident in their ability to make the nation proud.
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.
For complete results, https://www.iwwfed-ea.org/competition.php?cc=T-23IWWF13&page=women_tricks_results
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WSWC AND THE COC ANNOUNCE CANADA’S WATER SKI AND WAKEBOARD TEAM SELECTED TO COMPETE AT THE SANTIAGO 2023 PAN AMERICAN GAMES
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada and the Canadian Olympic Committee have announced Canada’s water ski and wakeboard team selected to compete at the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games.
The Team Canada water ski and wakeboard team for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games is:
Athletes:
Water Ski
Dorien Llewellyn (Innisfail, Alta.)
Whitney McClintock Rini (Cambridge, Ont.)
Paige Rini (Winter Garden, Florida)
Neilly Ross (Orlando, Florida)
Wakeboard
Ashley Leugner (Fort Qu’Appelle, Sask.)
Hunter Smith (North Vancouver, B.C.)
Canada qualified the maximum of four water skiers and two wakeboarders thanks to performances at the 2022 IWWF Pan American Championships for the two disciplines. Canada finished third in the overall open team classification for water ski.
Dorien Llewellyn, who is coached by his father, 12-time Pan Am Games medalist Jaret Llewellyn, will make his second appearance at the Pan American Games. At Lima 2019, Llewellyn won gold in the men’s overall water ski event, a silver in tricks and a bronze in jump. At the most recent IWWF World Waterski Championships in 2021, Llewellyn won gold in men’s tricks and silver in men’s overall.
“I am incredibly excited and grateful to have the opportunity to represent Canada at the Pan Am Games for a second time,” said Llewellyn. “Not only does water skiing have a golden history at these Games, but my family does as well, with my father winning 12 Pan Am Games medals himself. The chance to build upon the legacy that we have created together is one that I will continue to cherish every time I am a part of the Canadian team at any level of competition.”
Nine-time IWWF world champion Whitney McClintock Rini will make her fifth appearance at the Pan American Games. In her previous four appearances (Rio 2007, Guadalajara 2011, Toronto 2015 and Lima 2019), she won a total of 14 medals, including five gold. At Santiago 2023, the twenty-year Canadian National Water Ski team veteran will return to the Laguna Los Morros venue where she has competed at numerous times throughout her career, including at the 2013 World Waterski Championships where she won a silver medal in both the women’s slalom and women’s overall.
Paige Rini, who won three bronze medals at Lima 2019 in the women’s slalom, tricks and overall events, will make her second appearance at the Pan Am Games. She finished the 2023 World Water Skiers Overall Tour with a bronze medal for her efforts throughout the season and looks to continue her podium performances at Santiago 2023.
Llewellyn, McClintock Rini and Rini will lend their significant Pan Am Games experience to teammates making their Pan Am debuts – Neilly Ross, Ashley Leugner and Hunter Smith. Ross is the 2017 IWWF world champion in women’s tricks and the 2017 IWWF Female Water Skier of the Year.
“I am beyond excited to be representing Canada at the 2023 Pan American Games in Santiago, Chile,” said Ross. “It has been a dream of mine to compete in this competition across sports for many years, especially in the footsteps of my dad who was able to win several Pan American Games Championships. I can’t wait!”
Ashley Leugner is one of Canada’s most decorated wakeboarders: a 7-time National Champion, World Championship Silver Medalist, Bronze World Cup finisher and many top ten finishes on the world circuit.
“Representing Canada at an event as prestigious as the Pan Am Games is a dream come true!” said Leugner. “It took a long time for women’s wakeboarding to be included in the Games and if I wasn’t able to represent Canada at least once, I would feel like I had unfinished business. I’m very grateful for the opportunity as I’m sure this experience will be one to remember for a lifetime!”
Hunter Smith rose up through the ranks of Wake Canada and Wake BC events winning his first national title at age 9. Smith is Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s 2022 Wakeboard Boat Rider Of The Year.
“I’m excited and honoured to represent Canada at the Pan Am Games.” said Smith. “This is something I have been working towards for 14 years! Since I first stepped on a wakeboard at age 7, I fell in love with the sport. It has given me so many great friends and awesome life experiences.”
Water ski and wakeboard have been on the Pan American Games program since Mar del Plata 1995, where Jaret Llewellyn won the inaugural gold medal in men’s jump and men’s tricks in water ski. Since then, Canada has won a total of 56 Pan American Games medals in water ski and wakeboard, the highest total of any country.
Water ski and wakeboard will take place October 21 to 24 (Days 1 to 4) at the Laguna Los Morros in the San Bernardo district of Santiago.
“As the Chef de Mission, I am proud to extend a warm welcome to these water ski and wakeboard athletes to the Canadian team on our way to the Pan American Games,” said Christine Girard, Team Canada’s Santiago 2023 Chef de Mission. “In a competition where the waves of Olympic recognition have not yet reached, our team composed of Pan American Games medallists and rookies promises to showcase skill and passion. Let’s make history and ride the tides of success at the 2023 Pan Am Games!”
Team Canada’s water ski and wakeboard team coaches and support staff for the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games are:
Kyle Hunter (Paris, Ont.) – Team Leader
Jaret Llewellyn (Innisfail, Alta.) – Water ski coach
Matt Rini (Kingston, Ont.) – Water ski coach
Drew Ross (Belleville, Ont.) – Water ski coach
Dary Znebel (Mississauga, Ont.) – Wakeboard coach
Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organisations.
The latest Team Canada Santiago 2023 roster can be found here.
Watch the Santiago 2023 Pan American Games Broadcast Channel here.
Follow the Live Results here.
