Great Britain’s wakeboarding squad has delivered a stellar performance at two European Championships, clinching five medals, including two golds, across separate disciplines of cable and boat wakeboarding.
The accolades were achieved at the IWWF Europe & Africa Youth and Senior Cable Wakeboard Championships in Turin, Italy, and the IWWF Europe & Africa Wakeboard Boat Championships in Toutainville, Normandy, France, which concluded over the weekend.
Gold Medals for GB in Cable Wakeboarding
At the Turin Championships, Stephanie Williams-Caller and Dale Crossley secured gold medals in the cable wakeboarding events. Williams-Caller, aged 39 and residing in Chamonix, France, claimed victory in the Masters Women (Over 30) category. A seasoned competitor, she has represented Great Britain in the Masters Women category since 2016 and is a two-time World Champion (2016 and 2018). Williams-Caller also earned a silver medal at the 2022 World Championships, just months after the birth of her first child.
Dale Crossley, 40, from Farnborough, Hampshire, won gold in the Veteran Men (Over 40) category. Crossley has been a prominent figure in Team GB for over a decade and serves as the team captain. His victory in Turin underscores his longstanding commitment and skill in the sport.
Medal Success at Boat Wakeboarding Championships
The British squad’s success continued at the IWWF Europe & Africa Wakeboard Boat Championships in Normandy. Marley O’Toole, a 13-year-old from Camberley, Surrey, earned a silver medal in the Boys’ category. O’Toole, a pupil at Ravenscote Junior School, is notable for being the only rider in the GB squad competing in both boat and cable wakeboarding events. He is also the reigning Boys’ National Champion in both disciplines, showcasing his exceptional versatility and talent.
Ross Phillips, 40, originally from Wakefield, West Yorkshire, but now based in Lincoln, achieved a bronze medal in the Veteran Men category. His twin brother, Rich Phillips from Corby, Northamptonshire, finished in fifth place. The competition also saw Ross’s son, Ollie, aged 12, secure ninth place in the Boys’ category, highlighting the family’s strong presence in the sport.
Kate Waldron, 44, from Ascot, Berkshire, rounded off the medal haul with a bronze in the Veteran Women category. Her achievement adds to the overall success of the GB team.
Team Performance and Overall Standings
The GB wakeboarding team, comprising 20 riders aged between 12 and 58, finished fourth overall in the Championships. Their impressive performance across both events underscores the depth of talent and dedication within the team.
The weekend’s competitions have not only demonstrated the individual prowess of GB’s wakeboarders but also their collective strength and cohesion. The success at these European Championships marks a significant milestone for British wakeboarding, reflecting the hard work and determination of all team members.
As the team celebrates these achievements, the focus will now shift to preparing for future competitions and continuing to build on their recent successes. The medals won in Turin and Normandy are a testament to the skill and commitment of Great Britain’s wakeboarding athletes, promising an exciting future for the sport in the UK. bwsw.org.uk
