Chichester teen gets British water ski team spot

Chichester school pupil Willow Skipsey only took up the sport 18 months ago

A teenager from West Sussex has gained a spot on the British Water Ski Squad, despite only taking up the sport 18 months ago.

Willow Skipsey, 14, began water skiing as part of an after-school club at Chichester Water Ski Club.

After competing for a year, the Chichester Free School pupil has been named as part of the British Water Ski under-17s squad for the 2024 season.

Willow told BBC South East that the selection was "like a dream come true".

The year-10 pupil, who had previously tried gymnastics and swimming but not outdoor water sports, said she took to the sport immediately.

"I just love being in the water," she said, adding that it was "just really fun trying to learn new things".

Selection for the squad took place this month, with the British Water Ski & Wakeboard body reviewing candidates' scores from last season's tournaments.

Willow said she got a "little bit nervous" before competitions, but that they were "really fun".

When she got the call to the team, she said she was "just over the moon with it, I was so happy".

Willow first got into the sport at Chichester Waterski Club

She said: "It was like a dream come true to me because I've always wanted to be good at a sport."

Willow will compete as part of the squad for the first time in May, in between starting to study for her GCSEs.

Her aim is to be selected for the European water ski championships in August.

Nicky Skipsey said she was "really proud" of her daughter's "amazing achievement".

"All Willow’s hard work and travelling round lakes in the freezing cold up and down the country has paid off," she said.