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
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
CANADIAN ATHLETES SET TO COMPETE AT THE TRAVERS GRAND PRIX THIS WEEKEND
Paige Rini competing at the 2022 Travers Grand Prix. Action Photo Credit: Waterski Broadcasting Company + Waterski Pro Tour + John Waldron Images. Headshot: Johnny Hayward Photography.
Water Ski Canada is thrilled to announce that the grand finale of the Waterski Pro Tour, the Travers Grand Prix Pro-Am, is set to create waves in Groveland, FL from September 22-24, 2023.
But this is not just any water ski competition! The Travers Grand Prix Pro-Am introduces an electrifying TEAM format. It is a unique sporting extravaganza where professional water skiers join forces with amateurs to bring a spectacle both on and off the water. Together, they will face challenging and exhilarating rounds in Slalom, adrenaline-pumping go-karting, and precision-demanding skeet shooting. Every event will add to the overall team score. By the end of the weekend, only one team will have the honor of being crowned the Team Champions.
While the team event promises loads of fun and camaraderie, the spotlight will also shine brightly on the professional skiers. They will be competing fiercely for the prestigious title of the Travers Grand Prix Champion.
Canada is proudly represented by an exceptional cadre of professionals:
- Paige Rini (ON)
- Jaimee Bull (ON)
- Whitney McClintock Rini (ON)
- Cole McCormick (ON)
- Dorien Llewellyn (AB)
- Jamie Calhoun (ON)
Fans from all over can join in on the excitement, even if they can’t be there in person. Thanks to The Waterski Broadcasting Company, the entire event will be streamed LIVE, ensuring enthusiasts don’t miss a beat of this thrilling weekend.
About Water Ski Canada Water Ski Canada is dedicated to promoting and growing the sport of water skiing across the country, supporting both professionals and enthusiasts in their passion. The Travers Grand Prix Pro-Am is just one of the many events that showcase the talent and excitement of the sport.
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