GB Waterskiers Shine with 17 Medals at European Championships
British waterskiers have returned home with a remarkable tally of 17 medals, including four golds, from two prestigious international competitions. The accolades came from the Europe & Africa Youth Waterski Championships and the Europe & Africa Barefoot Championships, both of which concluded at the weekend.
Europe & Africa Youth Waterski Championships
Held in Italy, the Europe & Africa Youth Waterski Championships saw the British squad deliver outstanding performances, securing six medals in total. The collection includes one gold, two silvers, and three bronzes, all achieved in the Under-14s age category.
The standout performer of the event was 14-year-old Harley Coster from Camberley, Surrey. A student at Collingwood School, Harley excelled across multiple disciplines, winning gold in the jump category, bronze in both slalom and tricks, and silver overall. His exceptional performance has marked him as a rising star in the waterskiing world.
Joining Harley on the podium was 12-year-old Isabel (Issy) Cosgrove from Chalfont St Peter, Buckinghamshire. Despite being two years younger than many of her competitors, Issy impressed with a bronze medal in slalom, setting a new Under-14 Girls British record in the process. A pupil at Berkhamsted Girls’ School in Hertfordshire, Issy also achieved fourth place in both the jump and overall categories, and sixth in tricks.
The individual medals represent a significant milestone for both Harley and Issy, who showcased their ability to perform under the pressure of international competition. Their accomplishments highlight their dedication and immense potential.
The GB Under-14s team also earned a notable Team silver, with strong performances and personal best scores from Harley, Issy, and their teammates. The squad also included Jimmy Elliott, 14, from Bolton School, Greater Manchester; Buddy Carrington, 11, from Sherburn High School, North Yorkshire; and Lara Cosgrove, 10, from Berkhamsted Prep, Buckinghamshire.
Although the GB Under-17s team did not secure medals, they achieved impressive results and personal bests. Standout performances came from Sebastian Turp (16) and Harrison Crossland (17). Seb, from Ramsey Academy, Halstead, Essex, made it to the finals in slalom, tricks, and jump, finishing eighth overall. Harrison, from Rendcomb College, Cirencester, Gloucestershire, placed just off the podium in slalom with a joint fourth position and sixth in tricks, setting personal bests in both events. The Under-17s team finished in seventh place overall.
Europe & Africa Barefoot Waterski Championships
At the Europe & Africa Barefoot Waterski Championships in the Netherlands, GB athletes continued to shine with a total of 11 medals, including three golds in the Open Men category.
Tom Heaps, 25, from Warrington, Cheshire, and a member of Weaver Sailing and Ski Club, won gold overall, as well as silver in jump and bronze in both tricks and slalom. Adam Chalk, 31, a GP from Dartford, Kent, and a competitor at Lydd Water Ski Club, clinched gold in slalom and finished fifth overall. Rick Moyes, 34, from Stockport, Greater Manchester, who also trains at Weaver Sailing & Ski Club, secured gold in tricks.
Additional bronze medals were awarded to:
- Matilda Mulcahy, 15, from Ashford, Kent, who earned bronze in Junior Girls’ Tricks. Matilda trains at Lydd Water Ski Club and attends Highworth Grammar School.
- Olly Moore, 15, from Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire, who achieved bronze in Junior Boys’ Slalom. Olly trains at White Cross Ski Club and is a student at Goole Academy.
- Simon Raine, 61, from Lydd, Kent, who won two bronze medals in Senior Men (Over 35s) slalom and tricks, finishing fourth overall.
These impressive results underscore the talent and dedication of British waterskiers on the international stage. Their achievements in both youth and senior categories highlight the strength of the UK’s waterskiing talent and set a high standard for future competitions.
