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.
Olivia Chute to Represent Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships
Photo By Johnny Hayward
Water Ski Canada is excited to announce that Olivia Chute, from Fall River, Nova Scotia, will represent Team Canada at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships. The event will take place from July 31 to August 3, 2025, at the Predator Bay Water Ski Club at Lakes of Kastynstone in Calgary, Alberta, where over 100 athletes from 20+ countries will compete in a variety of events.
Olivia, who has been competing for 9 years, will participate in both the Slalom and Trick events. Her accomplishments include:
Qualifying for Open Trick at the 2025 Masters
D1 Collegiate National Trick Champion in 2024
Bronze in Trick at the 2021 Junior Worlds
2021 Pan American Championships Junior Women’s Trick Champion
Olivia got her start in water skiing at age six when her parents, both recreational skiers, taught her to get up on combo skis. She soon discovered water ski tournaments after trying trick skiing at a summer camp at age 10. By age 12, she had won her first national title, and the rest is history.
One of Olivia’s favorite water ski memories is the overwhelming support from her teammates during collegiate nationals. After completing a stand-up pass in her second collegiate nationals, her teammates rushed into the water to give her a team bear hug. This level of love and camaraderie was again evident at her third and final collegiate nationals, where her teammates circled her in a group hug after stepping off the top spot on the podium.
As Olivia prepares for the 2025 U21 Worlds, she is focused on executing the trick runs she has been fine-tuning all summer. She is also looking forward to reconnecting with friends from around the world and making the most of this final tournament before starting optometry school in Ft. Lauderdale, FL, just a couple of weeks after the competition. Over the next four years, Olivia will study to become an eye doctor, but for now, she has all eyes on Worlds.
A total of 12 Canadians will compete at the 2025 IWWF World U21 Waterski Championships, and Olivia will be part of the 6-person team competing for the Overall Team Title. Her performances in Slalom and Trick will contribute to Team Canada’s push for the top spot.
The competition promises to bring high-speed action and unforgettable moments, with athletes like Olivia leading the charge for Canada.
Thank You to Sponsors and Supporters:
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada would like to extend its sincere thanks to all sponsors and supporters who have made this event possible. Special thanks to the Government of Alberta, Tourism Calgary, Shuswap Ski and Board, Nautique Boats, IWWF, and Masterline for their continued support.
OLIVIA CHUTE COMPETING AT THE 2025 NAUTIQUE MASTERS
Photo by Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada is proud to announce that Olivia Chute, from Nova Scotia, will be competing at the 65th Masters Water Ski & Wakeboard Tournament from May 23-25, 2025, at Robin Lake, Callaway Gardens, Pine Mountain, GA.
Olivia, a past Jr. Masters competitor, is making her debut at the Masters in 2025, having qualified for this prestigious event for the first time. Olivia has previously podiumed in Jr. Girls Trick and will be competing in the Women’s Trick event at the Masters.
The Masters Tournament, held annually since 1959, is the pinnacle of waterskiing and wakeboarding competition, attracting the world’s best athletes. Olivia’s experience and her success in previous competitions make her a promising new competitor at this iconic event.
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.
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
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
More photos of skiers are available on Getty Images, https://www.gettyimages.ca/search/photographer?photographer=Johnny%20Hayward
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
WSC ANNOUNCES RECIPIENTS OF MANOO & JEAN GURJAR SCHOLARSHIP
Photo Credit: Johnny Hayward Photography
Water Ski Canada (WSC) proudly announces Alberta’s Sean Kraus and Nova Scotia’s Olivia Chute as the distinguished recipients of the 2023 Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund Scholarship.
Established in 2011, the Manoo and Jean Gurjar Legacy Fund is a benevolent initiative borne from the legacy donation of Dr. Manoo and Jean Gurjar of Vancouver, British Columbia. As a testament to Dr. Manoo’s enduring passion for water skiing – evidenced by his spirited competitions in the Men 9 category (75+) and his eminent presence at events – this scholarship seeks to inspire and support the next generation of Canadian water skiers.
Both Sean and Olivia encapsulate the spirit of this prestigious award, demonstrating a fervent love for the sport, unwavering commitment to education, exemplary sportsmanship, and an innate drive to compete and give back to the community.
The Legacy Fund’s mission is to annually provide financial assistance to one male and one female skier. Upholding the ideals set by Dr. Manoo Gurjar, an allocation of $1,000 is earmarked for each deserving recipient to assist in their skiing endeavors and academic pursuits. The criteria for selection is stringent, with a significant emphasis on qualities that mirror the generous spirit and dedication of the Gurjars.
Recipients are expected to use the financial aid to bolster their water ski training and competitive pursuits, in addition to managing academic-related expenses. Sean and Olivia will be required to furnish proof of their academic registration for the 2023-2024 year, ensuring that the scholarship’s intentions are wholly realized.
WSC remains deeply grateful to the Gurjar family for their vision and enduring support of Canadian water skiing talents. We celebrate the achievements of Sean and Olivia and are eager to witness their continued success in water skiing and academics.
