Author: Jack Burden

Ryan Dodd leaves the dock at the 2023 Moomba Masters

Strong Field Confirmed for the 63rd Moomba Masters as Carroll Eyes Comeback

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Strong field confirmed for the 63rd Moomba Masters as Jacinta Carroll eyes comeback

Ryan Dodd leaves the dock at the 2023 Moomba Masters

Waterskiing’s finest set to converge in Melbourne (image: @vincephotography)

By Jack Burden

The stage is set for the 63rd Moomba Masters International Invitational, one of water skiing’s premier events, as the Victorian Water Ski Association sent out invitations for the tournament scheduled in March. A total of 65 athletes hailing from 15 countries have confirmed their participation, promising a fiercely competitive and diverse field.

The 2024 roster boasts a remarkable lineup, including four out of the six individual event winners from the previous year’s World Championships and all six individual event world record holders. Notably, Regina Jaquess, making a return to Melbourne after over a decade, will be eyeing her first Moomba Masters slalom title.

While the top seeds showcase seasoned and recognized names in the world of water skiing, the rest of the field comprises emerging talents, many of whom are relatively unknown. The event’s timing and location have historically posed challenges for northern hemisphere athletes, adding an extra layer of excitement as young talents seek to make a mark on the global stage.

A notable addition to the entry list is Jacinta Carroll, the world record holder, who welcomed her first child in December of the preceding year. Carroll, undefeated in professional events since 2013, aims to secure her 10th consecutive Moomba Masters title, provided she recovers in time for the event.

The Moomba Masters, held in downtown Melbourne during the city’s annual Moomba Festival, draws the largest crowd of any water ski event globally. The Yarra River, with its brackish water, variable tidal current, and challenging bounceback from the river’s banks, sets a demanding stage for the athletes. However, the unparalleled atmosphere of skiing in front of thousands of spectators makes it one of the most thrilling experiences in the sport.

Top 10 Seeded Women:

SlalomTricksJump
Regina Jaquess (USA)Erika Lang (USA)Jacinta Carroll (AUS)
Whitney Rini (CAN)Neilly Ross (CAN)Regina Jaquess (USA)
Neilly Ross (CAN)Hannah Stopnicki (CAN)Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah (MAS)
Elizabeth Montavon (USA)Alexia Abelson (USA)Sade Ferguson (AUS)
Alice Bagnoli (ITA)Aaliyah Yoong Hannifah (MAS)Lara Butlin (AUS)
Sade Ferguson (AUS)Erica Hayes (AUS)Kristy Appelton (AUS)
Christhiana De Osma (PER)Sade Ferguson (AUS)Sanchia Outram (GBR)
Sanchia Outram (GBR)Kristy Appelton (AUS)Elizabeth Hall (USA)
Lara Butlin (AUS)Laura Hayes (AUS)Zarhli Reeves (AUS)
Erika Lang (USA)Sanchia Outram (GBR)

Top 10 Seeded Men:

SlalomTricksJump
Nate Smith (USA)Patricio Font (MEX)Ryan Dodd (CAN)
Frederick Winter (GBR)Matias Gonzalez (CHI)Jack Critchley (GBR)
Thomas Degasperi (ITA)Jake Abelson (USA)Igor Morozov (IWF)
Corey Vaughn (USA)Edoardo Marenzi (ITA)Tobias Giorgis (ARG)
Joel Howley (AUS)Pol Duplan-Fribourg (FRA)Edoardo Marenzi (ITA)
Charlie Ross (CAN)Tobias Giorgis (ARG)Archie Davis (AUS)
Nicholas Adams (AUS)Bautista Ahumada (ARG)Pol Duplan-Fribourg (FRA)
Cale Burdick (USA)Archie Davis (AUS)Josh Wallent (AUS)
Lucas Cornale (AUS)Lucas Cornale (AUS)Alex King (NZL)
Arron Davies (GBR)Callan Ashcroft (AUS)Patricio Zohar (ARG)

IWWF to Host First World Wakesurf Championship

IWWF to Host First World Wakesurf Championships: A Shift in Priorities?

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IWWF to host first World Wakesurf Championships: A shift in priorities?

IWWF to Host First World Wakesurf Championship

Image: boats.com

By Jack Burden

The International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) has announced the initiation of the inaugural IWWF World Wakesurf Championships. Slated to take place at Tai Po Waterfront Park in Hong Kong from November 3rd to 10th, 2024, the event is a bold step into the realm of wakesurfing, perhaps signaling a potential shift in priorities within the water sports community.

Noteworthy is the decision to offer a cash prize of $30,000 for the Open Men and Women’s skim and surf categories. This is a departure from the tradition upheld by the World Waterski Championships, which have historically maintained an amateur status.

The choice of Hong Kong as the host is strategic, given the sport’s rising popularity in the region. Hong Kong, China Waterski Association (HKCWA) President, Michael Chow, expressed excitement, stating, “We are very excited to welcome wakesurf athletes and supporters from all over the world, and we will do our utmost best to be the very best host during their stay in Hong Kong.”

Despite wakesurfing gaining global traction, its organized participation is still hugely overshadowed by water skiing. In 2023, there were fewer than 20 IWWF-sanctioned wakesurf events, significantly less than the almost 600 IWWF-sanctioned water ski events. Additionally, the IWWF currently has 500 active wakesurf athletes, a stark contrast to the 12,700 registered water ski athletes.

Financially, the IWWF’s revenue stream has shifted in recent years. The majority of their annual income is now generated through EMS license fees, with water skiing dwarfing wakesurfing in funding. However, the organization’s primary source of income used to be sanction fees from titled events. It is possible that the inauguration of a Wakesurf World Championships might help address some of these revenue disparities.

In a parallel development, the International World Games Association (IWGA) has excluded water skiing from the 2025 World Games in Chengdu, China, breaking a tradition that endured since 1981. Instead, the spotlight will be on wakeboarding and wakesurfing, making its debut. The decision raises questions about the federation’s vision for the future.

The IWWF’s stated mission is to advance and service all towed water sports, so we should not be surprised when they promote other disciplines. There is significant crossover between the target audience for all towed water sports, so isolating water skiing has been unproductive in the past.

The reality is that, as much as critics within the water skiing community express reservations about the potential sidelining of traditional three-event water skiing, the IWWF’s hands are largely tied. The exclusion of water skiing from the World Games was primarily driven by the host country, China, and hosting a titled wakesurf event is necessary to select athletes for the Games. While traditional three-event skiing might be on the periphery, the wakeboarding and wakesurfing community welcomes the opportunity.

As the IWWF embarks on organizing the 1st World Wakesurf Championships, the water ski community watches closely, wondering if this move signals a broader transition in the industry and water sports organizations worldwide.

Navigating Life’s Turns with World-Class Water Skier Thomas Degasperi

Thomas Degasperi Defies Age, No Plans of Hanging up His Ski

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Thomas Degasperi defies age, no plans of hanging up his ski

Navigating Life’s Turns with World-Class Water Skier Thomas Degasperi

Image: @andrea_gilardi_fotografo

By Jack Burden

In the fast-paced world of professional water skiing, where youth often dominates, one athlete continues to defy the odds. Thomas Degasperi, a stalwart in the sport for two decades, recently shared insights into his enduring passion and drive on an episode of the Journey with Jake podcast.

At 43 years old, Degasperi is not just holding his ground; he’s conquering new milestones. His victory at the Malibu Open last season not only secured another accolade but also etched his name in history as the oldest skier to win a professional slalom event. Aged 42 years, 7 months, and 29 days at the time, he surpassed the previous record held by Andy Mapple by almost a full year.

Degasperi, a two-time world slalom champion, has competed in an incredible 12 consecutive World Championships from 2001 to 2023. In this span, he has finished on the podium on five occasions and remarkably missed the finals only twice, solidifying his status among the greatest slalom skiers of all time.

Reflecting on his enduring career, Degasperi shared his thoughts on the podcast, shedding light on the factors that keep him going. “I’ve been asking myself, ‘When is going to be the day that I hang the ski on the wall?’ I’ve been asking [myself] that for 5 or 6 years now, but the passion drives me to be young,” he expressed. The seasoned athlete attributes his continued success not only to the love of the sport but to the profound journey it represents.

Degasperi emphasized the role of family bonds and purpose in fueling his commitment. “It gives me a purpose, without a purpose I wouldn’t be going to the gym every day… It’s not even a passion anymore, it’s a way of life,” he added. Despite the inevitable challenges of aging, the Italian athlete remains competitive, successful, and, most importantly, driven.

Acknowledging the inevitable passage of time, Degasperi spoke about the importance of continuously setting new goals. “As long as my body can do it and I can still compete with the other guys I will do it,” he affirmed. For him, it’s not merely a passion; it’s an intrinsic part of his being.

In his own words, Degasperi revealed the fire that still burns within him. “The day that you stop learning or stop wanting to improve, that’s the day that you’re going to stop.” As he looks toward the future, both in sport and life, Thomas Degasperi stands as a testament to the enduring spirit of an athlete who refuses to let age dictate the terms of his journey.

Jason Peckham's innovative T-Shaped "Peckham Handle' designed to eliminate arm-through-handle waterski accidents

New T-Shaped Handle To Be Trialed in Tournaments, Aims to Prevent Handle Injuries

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New T-shaped handle to be trialed in tournaments, aims to prevent handle injuries

Jason Peckham's innovative T-Shaped "Peckham Handle' designed to eliminate arm-through-handle waterski accidents

Image: IWWF

By Jack Burden

In a move aimed at bolstering safety in slalom skiing, the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) has given the green light for a 24-month trial period of a revolutionary T-shaped handle design. Known as the “Peckham Handle,” this innovation is geared towards averting injuries caused by skiers’ arms or heads inadvertently slipping through the handle during falls.

The approval for the tournament trial underscores the potential of the T-shaped handle to mitigate risks associated with conventional handle designs. The brainchild behind this safety-focused design is Jason Peckham of New York, who conceptualized it after a personal incident where his arm got entangled in the handle during a fall.

Upon learning about the approval for the 24-month trial, Peckham expressed his elation and gratitude, stating, “I’m super excited and thankful to everyone who has supported me in getting the concept to this point!” He further underscored his commitment to the production of the approved handles, emphasizing, “I’m working on the details of producing them now. My focus to this point has been on getting it approved for tournament use.”

Injuries associated with ski handles are infrequent but can be severe, ranging from broken bones and dislocated joints to muscle tears. Particularly rare are accidents where a skier’s head goes through the handle, a scenario that can have fatal consequences.

Safety concerns around traditional handle designs have prompted numerous skiers to explore additional safety measures, such as handle guards. Companies like Masterline, KD, and InTow have introduced attachable mesh guards or head guard crossbars to reduce the risk of arm-through-handle accidents. While these additions greatly improve protection, they still work within the framework of the traditional bridle design, leaving a potential opening for accidents.

The Peckham Handle revolutionizes this approach by eliminating the bridle altogether, eradicating the risk of arms slipping through. This innovative design, however, introduces new considerations. Potential drawbacks may include safety concerns related to the handle acting as a more dangerous projectile after handle pops, posing risks for boat crews. Additionally, skier performance could be impacted, as the T-shaped handle requires adaptation to a radically different design, potentially affecting handle balance and necessitating more precise hand placement.

All these factors will be scrutinized and evaluated as the T-shaped handle undergoes more widespread use during its two-year trial period. We commend Jason Peckham for his dedication to making the sport safer, and hope the trial period will provide valuable insights into the efficacy and potential challenges associated with this groundbreaking design.

American water ski jumper Lauren Morgan underwent a second knee surgery

Injury Update: Lauren Morgan Undergoes Follow-Up Knee Surgery

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Injury update: Lauren Morgan undergoes follow-up knee surgery, spring season uncertain

American water ski jumper Lauren Morgan underwent a second knee surgery

“Knee surgery #2 let’s do it” (image: @lauren.a.morgan)

By Jack Burden

Renowned American jump skier Lauren Morgan underwent critical knee surgery yesterday in Birmingham, Alabama, aiming to overcome persistent issues stemming from an injury sustained in September 2022. The 30-year-old athlete, America’s number one ranked female jumper for much of the past decade, has been grappling with the aftermath of an ACL injury, forcing her to miss a substantial part of the 2023 season. Unfortunately, it appears Morgan will remain on the sidelines throughout at least the start of 2024 as well.

The former World Games and U.S. Masters champion finished third at the World Championships in October last year, a mere 12 months after undergoing ACL surgery. Morgan missed almost the entire 2023 season, competing only in the World Championships and a warm-up tournament at Jack Travers’ two weekends prior. Despite participating in only two tournaments the entire year, only five women posted higher jump scores than Morgan in 2023.

Expressing her joy at the podium finish last year, Morgan stated, “I really can’t believe it; my goal was to be back. I didn’t want to just be back; I wanted to be on the podium. I couldn’t be happier, and I’m excited for next year.” Unfortunately, the persistence of her injury has dashed those hopes for at least a few more months.

In the face of adversity, Morgan shared an inspiring quote before the recent surgery, encapsulating her mindset: “When it comes to doing something hard but necessary: Don’t focus on how you’ll feel in the moment, focus on how you’ll feel when it’s done.”

While Morgan faces a challenging road to recovery, she continues to stay engaged off the water. Balancing an intensive rehabilitation regimen, she is concurrently pursuing her studies as a PhD candidate at the University of Missouri – St. Louis.

The women’s jump skiing landscape has been marred by injuries in recent years, with Morgan, along with Brittany Greenwood, Taryn Grant, and Valentina Gonzalez, missing substantial portions of the 2023 season. Additionally, world record holder Jacinta Carroll took time off for the birth of her first child. The challenges posed by injuries underscore the sport’s physical demands and the tenacity required of its athletes.

2024 Water Ski Major Event Calendar

2024 Water Ski Season Calendar: Everything You Need to Know

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2024 water ski season calendar: Everything you need to know

2024 Water Ski Major Event Calendar

The 2024 professional water ski season kicks off in March at the 63rd Moomba Masters in Melbourne, Australia (image: @jmommer2)

By Jack Burden

Here’s all you need to know about the 2024 water ski season, including the major event calendar for this year.

Last year’s calendar was brimming with Waterski Pro Tour slalom events, and this year is poised to follow suit. Nate Smith and Freddie Winter led the pack on the men’s side, while Jaimee Bull, Regina Jaquess, and Whitney McClintock Rini engaged in an epic season-long battle for the women’s title.

While all the details are yet to be finalized, there are currently 13 events registered with the Pro Tour for the 2024 season. Among these events, 11 will feature slalom skiing, 5 jump, and 2 tricks. The season kicks off in America in the spring, followed by a tightly packed European leg through June and July, before heading back to the states to close out the season.

Beyond the Pro Tour, the legacy majors – Moomba and U.S. Masters – will continue to be major attractions, showcasing all three events and wakeboarding. Additionally, another non-Pro Tour Nautique event, the Botaski ProAm, will feature slalom and tricking during the European leg.

Details have also been finalized for the WWS Overall Tour in 2024, with another series of four professional overall tournaments set to take place across North America and Europe.

In summary, we anticipate a very busy season spanning four continents, with hundreds of thousands in prize money up for grabs.

Tournament (Events)LocationDate
Moomba Masters (S T J)Melbourne, AustraliaMarch 7-11
Swiss Pro Tricks (T)Clermont, FloridaApril 21
Swiss Pro Slalom (S)Clermont, FloridaMay 5
U.S. Masters (S T J)Callaway Gardens, GeorgiaMay 24-26
Lake 38 ProAm (S)Tallahassee, FloridaJune 1-2
Louisiana Night Jam (J)Zachary, LouisianaJune 8
K1000 Marrakech Pro (S)Marrakech, MoroccoJune 19-20
Fungliss ProAm (S)Donmartin, FranceJune 22-23
Monaco Slalom Cup (S T)Roquebrune-sur-Argens, FranceJune 25-26
Botaski ProAm (S T)Seseña, SpainJune 28-30
San Gervasio ProAm (S)San Gervasio, ItalyJuly 5-7
Oxfordshire ProAm (S)Oxford, United KingdomJuly 12-13
WWS Salmsee Cup (O)Linz, AustriaJuly 27-28
Under-17 World’s (S T J O)Calgary, CanadaAugust 1-4
California ProAm (S J)Elk Grove, CaliforniaAugust 23-25
WWS Canada Cup (J O)Saskatoon, CanadaAugust 28-29
Over-35 World’s (S T J O)Seseña, SpainSeptember 4-8
WWS Travers Cup (O)Groveland, FloridaSeptember 21-22
MasterCraft Pro (S J)Polk City, FloridaSeptember 27-28
Traver’s Grand Prix (S)Groveland, FloridaOctober 11-12
WWS Florida Cup (O)Polk City, FloridaOctober 18-19
King of Darkness (S J)Winter Garden, FloridaOctober 24-26
Miami Pro (S)Miami, FloridaNovember 2-3

Remembering Dean Chappell (1951-2024)

Remembering Midwest Water Ski Legend Dean Chappell (1951-2024)

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Remembering Midwest water ski legend Dean Chappell (1951-2024)

Remembering Dean Chappell (1951-2024)

Chappell was a tenacious competitor who excelled in the jump event (image: @skihusband)

By Jack Burden

The water skiing community is mourning the loss of a dedicated and beloved member, Dean Chappell. A stalwart volunteer, coach, and cherished figure within Illinois water skiing circles, Chappell’s impact on the sport and the community will be enduringly remembered.

An avid three-event skier, Chappell holds the Midwest region jump records for Men’s 5-8 and the Illinois state overall records for Men’s 5, 6 & 8. As recently as last year, he set a pending Men’s 8 (70-74 years) regional jump record at an impressive 111 feet (33.8m).

Representing the U.S. on numerous occasions, Chappell clinched first place in Over-65 Men’s Jump and won gold as part of the U.S. team at the 2018 Over-35 World Championships in Santiago, Chile. This achievement led to the well-deserved recognition of the team as the USA-WSWS Team of the Year.

Chappell’s commitment to water skiing transcended the ordinary. Despite a challenging moment where he broke his neck while jumping, he continued competing well into his 70s. As one of the original Midwest Air Force jumpers, Chappell’s legacy is synonymous with tenacity and a driving force for the growth of water skiing in the region.

His influence extended far beyond his personal achievements. As a Senior-rated driver, judge, and technical controller, Chappell was always ready to contribute at tournaments, generously sharing his knowledge and passion. In the collegiate realm, he served as a coach and mentor for the Illini Waterski Team, leaving a lasting impact on numerous young skiers. His dedication was further evident in hosting and officiating at countless MCWSA Regionals and other collegiate events.

The Chappell family remains an integral part of the tournament waterskiing scene in the Midwest. Kelly and Troy Zoellner, Chappell’s daughter and son-in-law, along with grandchildren Jaret and Julia Zoellner, continue to be actively involved with the PITS Water Ski Club in Decatur, Illinois.

Dean Chappell’s legacy lives on not just in records and achievements but in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know and ski alongside him. He will be profoundly missed, and his contributions to the water skiing community will be remembered with gratitude and fondness.

Martin Labra won gold at the 2023 Under 17 World Championships

Biggest Ranking Movers in 2023: Davis, Labra Jump Into Year-End Top 25

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Biggest ranking movers in 2023: Davis, Labra make biggest jumps into year-end Top 25

Martin Labra won gold at the 2023 Under 17 World Championships

Martin Labra celebrates winning gold in jump and overall at the Under-17 World Championships in Santiago, Chile (image: @tincho.ski)

By Jack Burden

While the sport’s hyper-focus on performance can sometimes be to its detriment, the IWWF performance-based ranking lists serve as the best tool for regularly assessing the worldwide competitive landscape. Highlighting the most substantial movers on this list gives us insights into rising stars and in form skiers to watch in the upcoming season. Here, we present the most significant ranking improvements from the 2022 to 2023 year-end IWWF Top 25s.

Leading the charge in the IWWF’s year-end Top 25 this year is 18-year-old American Emma Davis, making an impressive leap of 47 spots between 2022 (No. 69) and 2023 (No. 22) in women’s overall.

Davis had a breakthrough year, marked by winning slalom, tricks, and overall at the Jr. US Open in Maize, Kansas. Additionally, she made it to the slalom and trick finals at the Under-17 World Championships in Santiago, Chile. Currently, she stands as the youngest skier in the IWWF Top 25 for women’s overall, alongside Canada’s Megan Pelkey.

Chilean Martin Labra, recognized primarily for his phenomenal tricking ability and dominance in the junior ranks, makes a notable appearance for his late-season charge in the jump event. Labra broke 200 feet for the first time just before the World Championships and achieved another personal best at that event, for an almost 8 meter (26 foot) improvement throughout the year. He is the youngest skier, by four years, in the IWWF Top 25 for men’s jump.

The list is dominated by women’s jumpers (four) and men’s slalomers (three), showcasing the most significant improvements throughout 2023.

Biggest Ranking Movers Among IWWF Year-End Top 25 (from Dec. 27, 2022 year-end rankings to Dec. 26, 2023 year-end rankings):

+47 Women’s Overall: Emma Davis, USA (0.5@12m/4,770/23.2m to 2.25@12m/6,570/33.3m)

+43 Women’s Jump: Meg Harraway, NZL (33.3m to 42.6m)

+39 Women’s Jump: Lara Butlin, AUS (35.1m to 43.5m)

+37 Men’s Jump: Martin Labra, CHI (53.9m to 61.8m)

+29 Women’s Jump: Katrine Anderson, DEN (36m to 43.3m)

+29 Women’s Jump: Maise Jacobson, DEN (35.9m to 42.5m)

+24 Men’s Slalom: Ryan Canepa, USA (5.5@10.75m to 3@10.25m)

+23 Men’s Slalom: Nick Parsons, USA (5.25@10.75m to 2.75@10.25m)

+19 Women’s Slalom: Samantha Dumala, USA (3.25@11.25m to 2.5@10.75m)

+17 Men’s Slalom: Corey Vaughn, USA (2@10.25m to 3.63@10.25m)

Lucille Borgen competed at Water Ski Nationals until age 94

Guinness World Record for Oldest Water Skier Overlooks a Legend in the Sport

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Guinness World Record for oldest water skier overlooks a legend in the sport

Lucille Borgen competed at Water Ski Nationals until age 94

Lucille Borgen won multiple titles at U.S. Nationals at age 94 (image: The Ledger)

By Jack Burden

Contrary to recent headlines proclaiming a 92-year-old woman as the world’s oldest female water skier, the story overlooks a true legend of the sport. Lucille Borgen, hailing from Babson Park, Florida, not only water-skied into her mid-90s but also competed at the U.S. Water Ski National Championships at the remarkable age of 94, securing the slalom and tricks title in her age division.

Borgen, the oldest competitor ever at the U.S. Nationals, holds a distinguished place in the sport’s history. Inducted into the Florida Water Ski Federation Hall of Fame in 2005, her legacy goes far beyond any Guinness World Record.

Born and raised in the Midwest, Borgen’s journey as a tournament water skier began later in life. Discovering the thrill of the sport at the age of 40, she was hooked on the tournament scene after clinching victory at the Ohio State Championships at 46 in 1959. This marked the beginning of an illustrious career that saw her win more than 30 national titles and break numerous records.

Remarkably, Borgen still holds the Women’s 9 (75-79 years) jump record and the Women’s 11 (85 years and over) slalom record.

Beyond her accomplishments on the water, Lucille Borgen was a dedicated volunteer, always ready to contribute as a boat judge, shore judge, or dock starter. In recognition of her contributions, she received the American Water Ski Educational Foundation’s Award of Distinction in 2005.

Borgen, who survived polio as a child, cancer as an adult, and suffered a complete loss of vision in her left eye at 91, passed away at age 98 on June 8, 2012.

Not to take anything away from Dwan Yong, the Guinness World Record holder for the oldest female water skier, anyone still skiing into their 90s is incredibly impressive. However, Guinness has missed the mark in neglecting a legend of water skiing – Lucille Borgen.

Valentina Gonzalez makes her return to the water after sustaining an ankle injury late last year

Injury Update: Valentina Gonzalez Returns to Water, On Track for 2024 Comeback

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Injury update: Valentina Gonzalez returns to water, on track for 2024 comeback

Valentina Gonzalez makes her return to the water after sustaining an ankle injury late last year

“First day officially back on the water” (image: @valegonzalez)

By Jack Burden

Valentina Gonzalez celebrated a significant milestone yesterday as she returned to the water for the first time since her season-ending injury in September of the previous year. In a recent Instagram post, the Chilean athlete expressed her gratitude for the valuable lessons learned during the challenging four months of recovery and her unwavering determination to return stronger than ever.

Gonzalez, who finished 5th in women’s jump on the Waterski Pro Tour and is currently ranked within the top 10 for both jump and overall, sustained a severe ankle injury during jump practice in the lead up to the record setting Malibu Open. Since undergoing surgery back home in Chile in late September, she has undergone a rigorous routine of over 65 sessions of physical therapy, hyperbaric chamber sessions, gym workouts, and biomechanics sessions.

Reflecting on the emotional toll of missing the two most anticipated tournaments of her career, the 2023 World Championships and Pan American Games, Gonzalez emphasized her commitment to turning the page and concentrating on physical and mental preparation for the upcoming year.

Expressing her eagerness to return to the sport she loves, Gonzalez shared her heightened enthusiasm, stating that she was “more hungry than ever to get back to doing what I like most. There is very little left!!!”

In a symbolic moment, Gonzalez posted a video capturing her first set back on her trick ski since the accident last September. The video showcased her skills, executing multiple flips on her home lake, Lago Valle Maipo. Gonzalez conveyed her excitement at being back on the water after nearly four months, underscoring how much she missed the invigorating feeling of being on the lake.

This triumphant return marks the end of a challenging chapter for Gonzalez, which she has referred to as the “four most difficult months of my career.” With her sights set on upcoming competitions, Valentina Gonzalez is poised to reclaim her position as one of the most promising young talents in women’s jump.