Local Mulwala Water Ski Club members performed well at the recent Australian Barefoot Nationals held at the Max Kirwin Ski Park recently.
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It was 12 months since the ski park hosted an event when only a “rehearsal day” was held for the much-anticipated Show Ski World Championships before it was heartbreakingly cancelled due to the emergence of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Hosted by the Victorian Barefoot Water Ski Club in conjunction with the Mulwala Water Ski Club the championships were held from March 15-21.
Local barefooting champion and Mulwala Water Ski Club Ski Co-ordinator Peter O’Neill said there was a strong number of competitors of all ages taking part in the 59th national championships with success from the handful of locals that competed.
“In the sub-juniors it was a great outcome for locals with Zeke Peebles, first, Ayden Peebles second and Rhys Driscol third. All kids have been training hard and it was a great result for them.
“The junior boys saw some amazing skiing from our locals, Harry Hogan and Rob Humphries didn’t do enough to feature in the placing but gee they skied well and Harry got a third in slalom.
“The junior girls saw Zali Peebles come in first ahead of her sister Macy.
“Macy Hicks won the Under 23 female’s division, which was great because she hadn’t been able to ski for about twelve months with a foot injury and then came out and smashed it.
“New to the area “Connor Rodgers” who runs the pro shop, took out fourth in open mens.
“In seniors, Brian Sullivan came second in Super Masters Men (Over 63).
Peter said it was an awesome week and one of the best atmospheres he had seen at a nationals event.
“Everyone was just so keen to be having it that it was great. And the crowds that came and watched were great.
“We had so many helpers from here and other states that it just made the whole thing a joy to run.”
The feature of the event was the night barefoot jump competition with jump being officially opened and named after Peter O’Neill which he admirably admitted is “the best in the world”.
“We also now have what is the most accurate, high tech and comfortable judging platform for skiers and officials at the park. Not to mention viewing is now great.
“The night jump went off great with a big crowd,” Pete said.
“A big thanks to the Mulwala Water Ski Club and Ray White who were our major sponsors, and the club hosted all our events.
“And thanks to the members of the local community who supported the event. We are now looking forward to next year’s 60th National Barefoot Championships and reunion.”
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