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I have always been a bit of an adrenaline junky, sports cars,
fast bikes and sport were a big part of my life. My wild lifestyle came to a grinding halt in August 1990 when
I had a severe head injury. I had almost 3years of rehab before I ventured into sport once more. I was a keen water skier
before I got hurt and decided to give it a go again. With the help of specially adapted equipment and the many volunteers
from The Britsh Disabled Waterski Association I took to the water once more in 1993. From the first lesson I was completely
hooked, the feelings of exhilaration, independence and acheivement are still with me today.
Initially I was just skiing for fun but my competitive streak soon came
out, at first just trying to beat myself. Then I found out that there were tournaments for disabled skiers, well I definately
wanted to be part of that .I entered my first tournament a couple of months after learning to ski ( I think I came last),
but it was so cool to see people with different disabilities skiing so well. It was the boost I needed, that weekend I set
my goal, to be part of The British Disabled Water Ski Team. It was nine years of hard work later that I set my first World
record and the rest as they say is history. Now fifteen years later, I have been privilaged to represent my country at five
European Championships and seven World Championships.
What started out as a hobby has now become pretty much a full time
committment, not only with my own training but also the coaching of other athletes. During the ski season between April and
October I live in Brandon, Mississippi with my coaches Bill and Denise Bowness at our lake. In the winter I am in London trying
to keep fit in the gym, although also enjoying some down time with freinds after the busy season. I really enjoy ice
hockey, snow skiing, and watching the Arsenal.
More recently I have been working towards becoming a judge and
scorer as I would love to remain in the sport when I retire.
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