IWWF Europe

Oscar Domino jumps at the 20th International San Gervasio

Jolly Ski Celebrates 20 Years of the International San Gervasio

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Jolly Ski celebrates 20 years of the International San Gervasio

Oscar Domino jumps at the 20th International San Gervasio

Oscar Domino of Denmark jumps during the XX International San Gervasio

By Michela Luzzeri

Jolly Ski

SAN GERVASIO, ITALY — From June 20th to 22nd, the 20th edition of the International San Gervasio took place at Jolly Ski in San Gervasio Bresciano. This historic three-event tournament (slalom, tricks, and jump) has been attracting young talent from across Europe—and beyond—for two decades. 62 athletes from 10 different countries competed in a weekend full of excitement and unforgettable performances.

As tradition goes, the first day of the tournament concluded with the awarding of the Trofeo Josè, given to the junior slalom skier who comes closest to the Italian National in their age group’s. This year’s sixth edition of the trophy went to U14 German skier Maja Leonhardt, who scored an excellent 1@12m. During the awards ceremony, we also celebrated the 20th anniversary of the event with a toast and refreshments, joined by athletes, coaches, officials, and friends who’ve been part of this journey.

Among the standout performances, Austria’s Lili Steiner impressed with a 47-meter jump, confirming her status as one of the top contenders for the upcoming U21 World Championships in Canada. Austria showed up strong this year, having selected the International San Gervasio as one of its official qualifiers for the national youth team ahead of the European Championships.

Many athletes set new personal bests. Among them was local athlete from Alfianello, Edoardo La Malfa, who scored a personal best in tricks (8120 points) and a new overall personal best, thanks to a strong slalom score of 1.5@11.25m and a 55.5m jump.

One of the most emotional moments came from Ukrainian athlete Mykhailo Mykhailichenko, who has found a second skiing home in Italy since the beginning of the war. At just 15 years old, he delivered an outstanding slalom performance with 1@10.75m.

Oscar Domino of Denmark also celebrated a major milestone by qualifying for the U21 World Championships with a new personal best of 54.9m jump. Another strong U21 Worlds prospect is hometown skier Florian Parth, who showed great form with 5.5@10.75m. 

Last but not least, promising signs from the Italian National Team: both Matteo Luzzeri and Nicholas Benatti showed grit and determination, bouncing back after injury-plagued seasons in 2024. The road to the Open Worlds is officially underway!

European Water Ski Championships

The 77th IWWF European Championships, the longest-running international water ski tournament, is scheduled to take place in Austria from August 7th to 10th.

Events: Slalom, Trick, Jump, Overall, & Teams

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11 times and 5 times back to back champion of Europe Degasperi Secures 11th European Championship in Dramatic Fashion The highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the men's slalom event, culminating in a dramatic finish between two Italian skiers.
11 times and 5 times back to back champion of Europe

Degasperi Secures 11th European Championship in Dramatic Fashion

News

Thomas Degasperi secures 11th European Championship in dramatic fashion

11 times and 5 times back to back champion of Europe

Image: @this_is_tgas

By Jack Burden

The 2024 European Water Ski Championships, the world’s longest-running international water ski tournament, delivered yet another chapter of thrilling competition. Held annually since 1947, this prestigious event has a rich legacy, drawing Europe’s finest competitors, particularly from federations with strong government backing. The latest edition was no exception, featuring standout performances from past and present World Champions, including Louis Duplan-Fribourg, Manon Costard, Martin Kolman, and Elena Thomsen.

However, the highlight of the tournament was undoubtedly the men’s slalom event, which culminated in a dramatic finish between two Italian skiers. The field was stacked with Waterski Pro Tour regulars, including the formidable 41-off club member Sacha Descuns. But it was the Italian contingent, with veteran Thomas Degasperi and rising star Brando Caruso, who stole the spotlight.

In a gripping showdown, Degasperi and Caruso both scored 3@10.25m (41′ off), forcing a runoff. The two teammates navigated the 10.75m (39.5′ off) course with precision, tying again at three buoys—not just once, but twice. In a third runoff, the pair remained locked at two buoys, showcasing their incredible consistency in running their fourth 10.75m of the day. Exhausted and running out of time to conclude the event, Degasperi and Caruso agreed to share the European title, a fitting end to an inseparable battle.

Reflecting on the event, Caruso expressed his excitement: “It was a great tournament, it’s always a battle. Last year we had a huge battle, so it’s a pleasure to share the podium with my teammate and to be here and put up big scores.”

Degasperi, too, was pleased with the outcome: “It was a battle with three runoffs; it was a lot of fun and very challenging. He’s a great competitor, so I’m very happy to share the podium with him.”

For Caruso, this title marks his first European Championship, while for Degasperi, it’s his fifth consecutive win since 2019 and his 11th overall. His impressive tally places him second only to Patrice Martin, who holds the record for the most European Championships in a single discipline, with 15 trick titles.

At 43, Degasperi remains in incredible form, currently sitting in 6th place on the Waterski Pro Tour leaderboard at the halfway point of the season. His latest triumph further cements his status as one of the sport’s all-time greats.

Mike Hazelwood European Water Ski Champion

Quiz: Most Consecutive European Men’s Titles

Quizzes

Quiz: Most consecutive European men’s titles

Mike Hazelwood European Water Ski Champion

Image: Wikimedia Commons

By RTB

4 minute play

In this quiz, you have to name the male skiers with the most consecutive European titles of all time.

The list contains 18 skiers, all of whom have won at least three consecutive European championships. One of England’s most dominant skiers sits atop this list with an eight-year streak in overall. We have mentioned their country, the event and years of their consecutive titles.

In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig

In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig | IWWF

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In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig – 10 October 1938 to 14 May 2024

In Remembrance of Dr. Günther Ludwig

Image: IWWF

IWWF

The world of waterskiing mourns the loss of Dr. Günther Ludwig, one of the most esteemed judges, who passed away on May 14, 2024. Dr. Ludwig’s contributions to the sport, especially in cable waterskiing, have left an indelible mark, shaping the course of its history and development.

Dr. Günther Ludwig was a respected figure at the IWWF European Championships, both in cableski and waterskiing, where his expertise and fairness set the standard for judging. His outstanding dedication has been recognized globally, culminating in his role as Chief Judge at the IWWF World Waterski Championships in Medellin, Colombia, in 1997. His leadership and integrity ensured that the competitions he oversaw were of the highest standard, earning him respect and admiration from athletes and colleagues alike.

Full article at IWWF.

2024 European Water Ski Championships

2024 European Open Championships

The 76th IWWF European Championships, the longest-running international water ski tournament, is scheduled to take place in the South of France from August 9th to 11th.

Events: Slalom, Trick, Jump, Overall, & Teams

Schedule:

  • Friday, August 9
    • Women’s Slalom Preliminary
    • Men’s Tricks Preliminary
    • Women’s Jump Preliminary
  • Saturday, August 10
    • Men’s Slalom Preliminary
    • Women’s Tricks Preliminary
    • Men’s Jump Preliminary
  • Sunday, August 11
    • Slalom Finals
    • Tricks Finals
    • Jump Finals
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Mike Hazelwood European Water Ski Champion Quiz: Most Consecutive European Men’s Titles One of England's most dominant skiers sits atop this list with an eight-year streak in Overall.
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Britta Grebe Llewellyn Water Ski Jump Quiz: Most Consecutive European Women’s Titles An Austrian jumper with a seven year winning streak in the 1990s sits on top of this list.
Britta Grebe Llewellyn Water Ski Jump

Quiz: Most Consecutive European Women’s Titles

Quizzes

Quiz: Most consecutive European women’s titles

Britta Grebe Llewellyn Water Ski Jump

Image: Athletes Soul

By RTB

July 25, 2023

5 minute play

In this quiz, you have to name the female skiers with the most consecutive European titles of all time.

The list contains twenty-one skiers, all of whom have won at least three consecutive European championships. An Austrian jumper with a seven year winning streak in the 1990s sits on top of this list. We have mentioned their country, the event and years of their consecutive titles.