By RTB

May 14

Today in History

On May 14, 2000, Jaret Llewellyn jumped 91.1 meters (299 feet) to break the world Ski Fly record. The mark would stand for over 15 years.

Here’s an excerpt from Waterski Magazine reporting on the record breaking feat:

“While most of the world was scurrying around trying to find that perfect, last minute Mother’s Day present, three men’s ski flyers were battling it out for the world record at the Big Air Challenge at the Orlando Watersports Complex.”

“Ski flying behind Correct Craft’s new souped-up ski-fly boat, Ryan Fitts, Freddy Krueger and Jaret Llewellyn all broke Krueger’s previous record of 286 feet in a single afternoon of semifinals, going 287, 292, and 294 feet, respectively. There was one small problem, though. Krueger and Llewellyn were using ropes that were found to be too long.”

“Although the long ropes stirred some controversy on the shoreline, all three men advanced tot he finals and Ryan Fitts left the Orlando Watersports Complex with a regulation rope and handle … and the new ski-fly world record. but it wasn’t his for long.”

“On Sunday afternoon, Llewellyn came back to prove that the longer ropes weren’t the reason he’d jumped 294 feet a day earlier. Just to prove a point, he jumped 299 fee with a boat speed of 43 mph while the rest of the contenders were jumping at 45 mph.”

“Llewellyn admits that he thought his jump on Mother’s Day was the first 300-footer in history. ‘Because 10 feet in ski flying happens so quick, I thought the jump was at least 10 feet farther than the 294 from the previous day.’ “

“As Jaret skied around the turn at the end of the lake, he looked to the boat judge to see how far he’d gone.”

” ‘I was so anxious to see her hold up those three fingers, but when she showed me the nine fingers, I just looked down completely bummed that it was a 290-something. It wasn’t until I got back to the dock that I found out the jump was 299 feet. As excited as I am, I still want that 300-foot jump first.’ “