Three of Great Britain’s oldest competitive waterskiers have returned from the World Over-35 Waterski Championships in Madrid with three medals, including a gold.
Jonathan Cohen, 75, from Snaresbrook, East London, clinched a gold medal in the Men’s Over-75 slalom event, a victory that marks his first world title. His performance was remarkable, even by the standards of much younger competitors.
“I’m obviously extremely delighted that, after 12 years of going to the Worlds and being fourth twice, I’ve finally made it to the podium – and I’ve done it in style,” Cohen said. “So, I’m happy and it’s good to get the nervousness behind me and to start to enjoy my skiing again after today.”
The World Over-35 Waterski Championships, held near Madrid, saw a small British team of eight skiers competing against some of the world’s best in the sport. Cohen’s triumph was a standout performance in the event, showcasing his enduring skill and determination in the sport.
Carl Turp, 81, from Gosfield, Essex, made history as the first octogenarian to represent Great Britain at a World Championships. Turp secured a bronze medal in the Men’s Over-80 slalom category. Known as the patriarch of a waterskiing family, Turp has been a central figure in the sport for decades. He and his family run Gosfield Lakes near Halstead, a site that has been a hub for waterskiing for over 40 years.
Turp’s family is deeply involved in the sport; his son, Vince Turp, is an international competition driver, and his grandchildren, Ben (24) and Seb Turp (16), are both members of the GB Waterski Squad. Seb recently achieved personal best scores in all three events—slalom, trick, and jump—at the European Youth Waterski Championships in Italy.
The third medal for Team GB came from Juliet Thompson, 76, of Sowerby Bridge, West Yorkshire. Thompson won bronze in the tricks event in the Women’s Over-75 age category. Her performance underscores her continued excellence and dedication to the sport.
The success of these three waterskiers highlights not only their personal achievements but also the strength of British waterskiing on the global stage. Their accomplishments serve as an inspiration to athletes of all ages, demonstrating that dedication and passion for sports can lead to outstanding results regardless of age.
As they return home with their medals, the stories of Cohen, Turp, and Thompson offer a celebratory note to Great Britain’s sporting achievements. Their performances at the World Championships are a testament to their skill, perseverance, and the growing reputation of British waterskiing.
