It all began on Memorial Day 1959 in Callaway Gardens, Georgia, USA. At that time, an estimated 13,000 spectators enjoyed the thrills of the birth of this event. Fifty years later, we celebrated the golden anniversary of the Masters Waterski and Wakeboard tournament in style over this past weekend. To witness a successful partnership between Callaway Gardens and CorrectCraft Inc, who produce the Nautique line of boats, which has survived and prospered over a full half century, is quite a feat in today's business environment.
In spite of the unusually cool and damp weather, both the atmosphere and level of performances on the water were exceptional. Participating in the 50th Masters was also a special experience for both the athletes and spectators who crowded the Pavilion Grandstand and beaches at Robin Lake.
The 50th Masters, as usual, was full of both outstanding performances and heartbreak moments. To see the complete results, go to www.masterswaterski.com
The Junior Masters kicked off the event on Friday and Saturday. Caroline Hensley, aged 18 from Tennessee, USA, took medals in all three events to capture the Junior Overall Women's title.
In Women's Slalom, Australia's Karina Nowlan sustained a shoulder injury but still came out on top with a score of 3 buoys on the 11.25m line / 38 off.
Tricks came next with some major surprises. Clementine Lucine FRA , who has three pending World Records, did not have a great day even though she made it to all three Masters Finals. It was the youngest competitor, Canada's 19 year old Whitney McClintock, who took this title with a score of 8250 points.
Wakeboard came next. These days it is almost taken for granted that World Cup Champion and defending Masters Champion, Dallas Friday, will beat any competition. This time around, it was the 17 year old Wake Games Champion and South African born Nicola Butler GBR who continued her winning form by taking this Masters title.
Finally, as the Nautique boat entered the Jump arena, the enthusiastic crowd were on their toes for the last time at this 50th Masters. Conditions were good. Marie Vympranietsova from Athens, Greece, was first on the Ramp. Her distance of 48.5m / 159 feet caught all by surprise. Even World Champion Ageliki Andriopoulou, also from Athens, could not beat this. With just the reigning Masters Jump Champion to go, Vympranietsova was in the lead. Denmark's June Fladborg had a real challenge on her hands. However, her flawless 52.4m / 172 ft performance left no doubt on who was the 50th Masters Jump Champion.
At the closing ceremony at Callaway Gardens, Kuno Ritschard, President of the International Water Ski Federation, made a special 50th Golden Anniversary presentation in appreciation of their half century of success together to Bill Yeargin, President and CEO of CorrectCraft Inc and Tim Chason, Vice President of Callaway Gardens, to mark this unique occasion.
