WINDSOR JUNCTION: Olivia Chute has returned home from the Pan Am Waterskiing championship in Chile with an extra piece of hardware.
Chute—along with five other teammates—earned a team gold medal for their final overall score being tops among the countries competing. The Windsor Junction girl placed fourth in both of her events—slalom and tricks—during the finals, which was a first for her at an international event.
“It was an honour to be part of such a strong team,” said Chute. “All of the members scores contributed towards the medal in one event or another. This isn’t always the case, so it was truly a team event.”
The Lockview High student’s slalom score of four at 13 metre line at 52 kilometres was a new Nova Scotia provincial record for Girls U14, and was also a new personal best for her. Her trick score (4440) was just 20 points shy of her personal best, which is also a new provincial record set earlier in this season
“I’m ecstatic to have made the finals in both events and to have had the experience of skiing in an international final for the first time,” she said.
She was very excited to be part of the six person National Team with members from British Columbia, Alberta, Ontario, Quebec and Nova Scotia.
Chute placed fourth in her trick and slalom finals and both of her scores were in the top three on her team, thus being used towards to team score.
“It’s amazing to water-ski alongside and become friends with some of the best water-skiers in the world at my age,” said Chute. “There are so many great people in this sport and the international travel I have experienced this year has been eye opening.”
What is in store next for this young passionate skier?
“Well, I have a month off from the water now, and will look forward to getting back into some cross training activities with hockey and dance,” said Chute, “but am also anxiously anticipating my next time on the water which will be at Christmas break to start learning some new tricks.”
