Eight talented barefoot waterskiers will proudly represent Great Britain at the upcoming World Championships, set to take place in Florida, USA, from 5 to 12 October. This elite squad comprises one female and seven male athletes, showcasing the depth of talent within the UK. Among them are four skiers who excelled at the recent European Championships in the Netherlands, where the team secured a commendable bronze medal.
Three Categories:
The athletes will compete across three categories: Open, Under-23, and Junior, each showcasing their unique skills and determination. Leading the charge is Tom Heaps (25) from Warrington, Cheshire, who enters the World Championships on a high note after clinching four individual medals at the Europeans, including a prestigious gold overall. Joining him in the Open Men category is Rick Moyes (34) from Stockport, Greater Manchester, who secured gold in the tricks event at the same championship.
Promising Young Talents
The team also features promising young talents, including 15-year-olds Matilda Mulcahy and Olly Moore, who each earned bronze medals at the Europeans. Matilda, hailing from Ashford, Kent, will compete in both Junior Girls and Open Women categories, while Olly, from Goole in East Riding of Yorkshire, will represent in Junior Boys.
Additionally, the squad includes the Sullivan brothers, Ben (21) and Henry (17) from Cheltenham, Gloucestershire. Both brothers will compete in the Under-23 category, with Ben also entering the Open Men division. Their inclusion highlights the bright future of British barefoot waterskiing.
Exceptional Skill and Courage
Barefoot waterskiing is a demanding sport that requires exceptional skill and courage. As the name suggests, competitors navigate the water without skis, relying solely on their bare feet. They are towed by a boat that typically travels at speeds exceeding 45mph (72kph), adding to the challenge.
Competitors will participate in three events: slalom, tricks, and jump. In slalom, athletes repeatedly cross the boat’s wakes from side to side, while tricks showcase creative manoeuvres on the water. The jump event focuses solely on the distance achieved from a ramp and successful landing. Medals are awarded for each individual event, along with overall medals that combine scores from all three disciplines, and team medals as well.
Meet the GB Squad:
Junior Boys:
Olly Moore (15) from Goole, East Riding of Yorkshire. A pupil at Goole Academy, Olly is a multiple gold medallist at the 2024 British Barefoot Nationals, winning bronze in slalom at the European Championships. He trains at White Cross Ski Club in Selby, North Yorkshire.
Junior Girls & Open Women:
Matilda Mulcahy (15) from Ashford, Kent. A student at Highworth Grammar School, Matilda trains at Lydd Water Ski Club. She won bronze in tricks at the European Championships and has medalled at the British Barefoot Nationals.
Under-23:
Ben Sullivan (21) is studying to be an architect, training at Cotswold Water Ski Club. He is a three-time overall British Champion in the Junior Boys’ category and ranks number one in Europe for Under-23 Men.
Henry Sullivan (17) is a student at Pate’s Grammar School. Despite not competing in the 2024 Europeans, he previously excelled in the Junior Boys’ category, securing multiple gold medals.
Open Men:
Tom Heaps (25), a seasoned competitor, has multiple podium finishes at national and international levels, including the 2024 European Championships. Rick Moyes (34) has represented Team GB since 2012 and is a multiple British Champion. Robbie Crewe (34), a former British Champion, brings valuable experience to the team.
