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World Medals for New Zealand Wakeboarders Rowers weren’t the only kiwis winning medals on the water over the weekend. Surrounded by picturesque mountain ranges, Lake Uiam offered a week of spectacular wakeboarding by the top riders in the business. 120 competitors from 26 countries took part in the 2009 IWSF Wakeboard World Championships at the modern facilities of Lake Uiam in Chuncheon City, South Korea. Brad Smeele (pronounced Smaler) and Sophie Schollum both rode superbly to win medals for New Zealand at the World Wakeboard Championships in Chuncheon. 22 year old Aucklander, Brad Smeele worked hard to take home the silver medal in the hotly contested Open Mens division. To do so, he had to lay down consistent solid performances, riding cleanly and pulling out tricks that would make anyone dizzy, whilst not taking too many risks due to the choppy conditions. Unfortunately, previous World Wakeboard champion and medal hopeful, Jeff Weatherall was knocked out in the semi finals of the Open Mens division. 15 year old Sophie Schollum looks to have a promising future on the wakeboard ahead of her. She rode consistently well against a field of battling Italian girls to bring home the bronze medal in the Girls Division. Other New Zealand wakeboarders also flew the kiwi flag proudly in Chuncheon. Chris Dunn made it to the quarterfinals in the highly competitive Open Mens, whilst Nik Gibson and Guy Robinson both competed in the Junior Mens division, which showcased an incredibly high standard of talent coming through the ranks. For full results go to www.iwsf.com |