Water Skiing: Northland skier scoops silver

Northland waterskier Courtney Williams puts in some trick ski practice at a local Puhipuhi lake. Photo / Michael Cunningham

Northland's Courtney Williams carved a trail through the waters of the Waikato River recently, as she skied to second overall in her age division at the annual Aussie-Kiwi Challenge held at Piarere, Waikato.

One of three Northlanders competing in the under 14 division for the New Zealand team, Williams, 13, won gold in the tricks category, silver in the jump, and placed a tight fourth in the slalom; all of which gave her a combined total of 2596.28 points to secure the silver medal overall.

Also competing in the under 14 category for New Zealand, Northland representatives Mitchell Williams (11) and Maddie Wainwright (11) took on their transtasman rivals in their age division.

Although Mitchell Williams and Wainwright missed the podium they both skied personal bests and, as the youngest members of the under 14 team, are building for the future.

The Aussies won all three of the divisions (under 14, under 17 and under 21), but the under 14 and under 21 New Zealand teams came close.

Absent from this tournament, Northland's champion water skier Curtis Williams could not compete for the New Zealand Under 21 team because of his university commitments in San Diego.

He moved to the US last year after receiving a scholarship to attend San Diego State University, which hosts some of the best water skiers around.

The Aussie-Kiwi Challenge has been running since 1986 and was the brainchild of Brian Williams (Courtney and Mitchell's grandfather) who approached the Australians with the idea.

It provides exposure for up-and-coming skiers to top level competitors from Australia, and also results in great relationships between the officials, skiers and families.

Competitions are held each year between Australia and New Zealand, with Australia hosting the event in the odd years.

The tournaments are predominantly hosted during January.