Ski Racing Australia

Keep up to date with the most recent news on the Australian ski racing team, both before the event and with daily updates from Belgium.

25 July 2009

Mawer's game face is on

Australia's leading F1 skier Wayne Mawer faces a tough challenge tomorrow - holding of Todd Haig to win the 2009 world title. The tough conditions at Viersel will be a true test of ability. The Men's race is scheduled to start at 4pm.
Juniors - 1pm (9pm Aus)
Women's - 2.30pm (10.30pm Aus)
Men's - 4pm (12am Aus)

Aussie Jack Houston has already stitched up the Junior Boys' world title, but Ben Hackett is still in the hunt for a podium finish, as are both our Junior Girls, Maddi Boyer and Sarah Teelow.

None of Australia's F2 women are in the running for a podium finish, but all three are looking for a good run in the final round.

Kim Lumley from England has secured the world title in F1 Women's, but both Cara Jochinke and Lauryn Eagle are looking for podium places. Bethany Pledger is not in podium contention but has put in a sterling performance.

In F2 Men, Australia's Daniel Cotton has been a consistent and solid performer and is in the running for a third place finish pending good results tomorrow.

In F1 Men, Wayne Mawer will battle it out with Todd Haig for the world title, and Chris Stout is also looking solid for a podium place.

24 July 2009

Australia's podium places for Round 3

Official results are not yet available, but Australia's podium places for Round 3 include:
Maddi Boyer, third in Junior Girls
Jack Houston, first in Junior Boys
Daniel Cotton, third in F2 Men
Chris Stout, third in F1 Men
Wayne Mawer, first in F1 Men
The women's race was postponed due to adverse weather and has been rescheduled for 2pm Saturday (10pm Australian time).
Results will be posted when available.

24 July 2009

Houston secures world title!
After his third consecutive victory in Junior Boys, Aussie 'Smiling Jack' Houston has (unofficially) secured the world title.
More info to come later when official results are released.
Meanwhile, the Women's race was red-flagged due to a storm that blew in shortly after the race began. The race was not able to be restarted today due to time restrictions in the canal, but may be raced tomorrow (to be confirmed).
The Men's race is still scheduled to start at 8pm Belgian time.

Jack is pictured with proud mum Jo straight after his race.

23 July 2009

Belgium Racing

23 July 2009

Interview with Lauryn Eagle

21 July 2009

Mawer wins to-the-line thriller at Genk

The wait was worth it - thousands of ski racing fans were fortunate to witness one of the most exciting moments in world championship racing - a to-the-line race between Australian Wayne Mawer and Todd Haig from the USA.
Mawer came from behind in the final lap to set up a fierce race on the final straight, with both the Aussies and the Americans screaming themselves hoarse on the opposite bank.
Mawer nailed the thrilling victory right on the line. Haig took a tumble after the line, but was not seriously injured.
Aussie Chris Stout came third in the F1 Men's race behind Mawer and Haig.

The win was not without its trials, as Tru Blue had engine problems before the race. It was all hands on deck as all fellow Aussies pitched in to get substitute boat White Noiz prepared for the race. It was definitely a fine moment for Team Australia as Mawer and his team were on the water with just seconds to spare before taking off for the race.
Mark Cranny put in a stellar performance, driving an unfamiliar boat to such a narrow victory.

Round 2 winner Wayne Mawer with his family, Natalie and Sonny, after the race.

21 July 2009

Big medal haul for Aussies at Genk

In Formula 1 Men, Wayne Mawer picked up gold, and Chris Stout earned the bronze.
In Formula 1 Women, it was Lauryn Eagle with a silver, and Cara Jochinke with a bronze.
All four of Australia's juniors got on the podium after Round 2 at Genk - Jack Houston with his second gold and Ben Hackett with a bronze in Junior Boys following a 'spectacular' fall (as the Belgians would describe it), and Maddison Boyer with silver and Sarah Teelow with a well-earned bronze in Junior GIrls.
For full results, see the 'results' page.
Photos from Rounds 1 and 2 are now available on the 'Photos' page.

Australia's junior girls, Maddi Boyer (left, silver) and Sarah Teelow (bronze).

20 July 2009

Interview with Jack Houston

19 July 2009

Gold, silver and bronze for Australia on Day 1!

Round one at Gent was a good day for Australia, with a gold, silver and bronze medal to start the medal count.

Jack Houston was Australia's biggest winner on the day, winning gold in the Junior Boys division. Jack was towed by Stinga F1, with Greg Houston driving and Kevin Boylan observing.

Wayne Mawer battled with Todd Haig for the entire F1 Men's race, and finished in second position. Mawer was towed by Tru Blu, with Mark Cranny driving and Damien Matthews observing.

Maddison Boyer ran a good steady race to finish in third place in the Junior Girls division. Maddi was towed behind White Noiz, with driver Steve Shipp and observer Robert Henderson.

For full results, go to the 'results' page.

Jack Houston - winner of Round 1 Junior Boys

18 July 2009

Team marches in Gent

Team Australia led the parade when the nations competing at the world championships were presented at the opening ceremony in the city of Gent. Formula 1 Men's skier and former world champion Wayne Mawer carried the flag for Australia. More photos to come.

16 July 2009

Australian team prepares to take on the world

Photos: Sarah Teelow

16 July 2009

Team Australia arrives in Belgium

30 June 2009

Team Australia gears up!
The team uniforms are being distributed and it's clear that the team is going to look great!
Conor Nutley models a sneak peak at the Australian team tracksuit

23 June 2009

Do you know Peter Gwozdecky?
Peter is the Australian team doctor. He's been to every world titles since 1981! He has seen all of Australia's champions in action.
Did you know he was also a champion trick skier in Canada, but he's never been ski racing?
Learn more about Peter and his fascinating history with the world titles on the 'Team' page.

Can't ski without a crew...
The 'Team' page now includes profiles from some of the drivers and observers who are travelling to Belgium to help our skiers on the way to a world title! Find out what makes 'em tick! More to come later.

11 June 2009

Weaver injured - F2 team shuffled
Due to Mark Weaver's unfortunate accident at the Queensland State Titles on the June long weekend, and his subsequent injuries, he has withdrawn from the Australian team. It is a real blow to the Australian team to lose the number one skier in the division, but it provides an excellent opportunity for two youngsters to move onto the world stage.
F2 Men's reserve Luke Keys now moves into the team, and Kris Knights will move into the reserve position. Luke earned himself a silver trophy in the Junior Boys' division of the 2007 World Championships in New Zealand, while this will be Kris' first foray into international competition. (Photo: Mark Weaver in the Rd 7 selection race at Lake Charm, March 09)

9 June 2009
Australian boats shipped

As the World Championships are now only a month away, all of the Australian boats have been crated and are on their way to Belgium.

Photos: Rick Love

Don't forget to visit the official site of this year's world titles in Belgium:
http://worlds.waterskiracing.be

While most of the site is in Flemish, you will find Bulletins #1 and #2 in English. These documents contain all the information you need to know, including info on rules and regulations, venues and courses, a schedule of events and much more. While you're there, which not take a look at the rest of the site and see how much Flemish you understand! Just put on your best Jean-Claude van Damme accent and give it a go!

Wear green and gold to support your team!
Australian Team supporter tracksuits are avaliable for purchase from either Wendy Feros or Rick Love. To view the uniform please visit:
http://waterskiaustraliadownloadableforms.webs.com/