Sport
29 May, 2023
Local skiers off to world titles
SKIERS from the Northern Region Barefoot Water Ski Club based out of Lake Tinaroo have been selected to represent Australia at the World Titles next year after their performance at the recent Australian Barefoot Nationals held at Canungra, south of Brisbane.
The skiers who competed at nationals from 8-13 May were Matty Santarossa, Zane Watters, Justin Molford, Mark Molford, Ruth Molford, Lindsie Jack and club president Katina Davis.
Out of those who skied, three barefooters were selected in the Australian squad for the upcoming World Titles next year – Justin and Mark Molford and Lindsie Jack who was also selected for the U23 Division.
While they have been selected to compete, the local skiers will need to continue to refine their skills as another selection will be made further down the track to determine who will get on the water for the World Titles in 2024.
Davis is extremely proud of having not one but three of the club’s skiers be picked in the Australian squad.
“As president, I am so proud of our young club members and their achievements,” she said.
“It is a wonderful honour to be named in these squads and shows that these three barefooters have impressed the Australian selectors.
“I know how much hard work must now go into training for the chance to represent Australia at Worlds next year.”
Provided she continues to produce qualifying scores for each event, Katina also hopes to ski at Open Worlds next year but as an independent.
However, her real focus will be on defending her World Title at the World Masters which will be held in Florida in 2025.
The Northern Region Barefoot Water Ski Club and its members have been on the world stage a total of 10 times with Davis making seven appearances, Jack making two and Justin Mulford having just one.
The three selected to compete again next year will be working hard, even through the winter, to better their scores and increase their chances of final selection in the Australian teams.
This includes time on the jump, perfecting one foot slalom both forward and backwards and learning new tricks, including turns.
