WINDSOR JUNCTION: The water on Third Lake is still and calm on this mid-July morning. But shortly, it will come alive with the roar of the boat’s engine and the water-ski’s from Olivia Chute.
It’s just after 8:30 a.m., and like she does for three or more hours a day, Chute hits the water that is behind her families Fall River Village home. She is practicing tricks and other techniques on this day, after having already been in and out doing a slalom run.
VIDEO: Olivia does some tricks
Chute, a dynamo from Windsor Junction, is one of six athletes from across Canada chosen to don the Maple Leaf colours at the World Junior water-skiing championships in Spain, scheduled for Aug. 2-5.
The selection came as a surprise.
“We didn’t see it coming this year,” said Chute. “But we’re very happy to make it happen. I think it will be a great experience to compete on the world stage and meet a lot of amazing athletes.”
She is quite young to be on the team and is the only athlete east of Ontario on the squad. The news came in the Spring that she was being considered, and after good results at a tournament she was selected to be on the team.
Chute is honoured to get the opportunity.
“I’m really excited to get to go and compete as a Canadian team member,” she said. “It means a lot to compete at the highest stage I’ve ever competed on.”
VIDEO: Olivia Chute practicing on Third Lake
VIDEO: Olivia talks about making Team Canada
To keep up her training and continue to get better doesn’t come easy financially. While she appreciates that her parents continue to support her as much as they can, she wants to start to contribute to her training expenses. She has created a GoFundMe page, which can be found by clicking here. They also are accepting e-transfer donations at: machute@eastlink.ca.
“I would be very appreciative if the community could help me live out my dream,” said Chute.
Chute credits her dancing for helping in her flexibility to perform the waterski moves and tricks she’s required to so she can score as high as possible.
She said at past competitions she would get quite nervous, which would result in her not performing well. That doesn’t seem to be the case when she attends the bigger competitions, like the worlds.
“When I go to these and see the bigger picture, realizing I don’t need to be nervous, and just ski,” said Chute. “I just need to go into it with the right attitude and manage the stress.”
So if you see Chute out on Third Lake jumping through the wake, or twirling around by a rope, give her a wave and applause, and support her as she represents Canada on the world stage.
She will be attending nationals from Aug. 8-12 in Ontario.
