Today the sun was as hot as ever, the light head breeze was what the doctor ordered and the U21 Skiers excelled. It was a day of three halves! First we had the Mens Series 2 and 1 Slalom Preliminary Rounds. Four athletes got 4 buoys on the 11.25m/38 Off line. They were Derek Kirby (CAN), Felipe Simioni (BRA), Martin Bartalsky (SVK) and Felipe Miranda (CHI). This guaranteed second place scores. One Skier dominated all and by a margin of FIVE BUOYS. This was Cale Burdick (USA). Will he be the U21 World Slalom Champion? Tune in on Saturday to find out. Twelve contenders will all go for it.
The second half was the Opening Ceremony. Very impressive and presented at the Miranda Lake shore. Present were all the athletes from 23 Countries plus important special guests including Jaime Pizarro Herrara, Director of the National Institute of Sport, Miguel Angel Mujica, Director of the Chile Olympic Committee, Kuno Ritschard, IWSF President, Robert Ritter Osauskas, Chile Waterski Federation President and Waldo Miranda, the event Organiser and excellent host.
The third half was all about Ladies Preliminary Jump. Caroline Hensley (USA), World Junior Rank 1, made it to the U21 Finals with an outstanding 42.8m distance. She and Tiare Miranda (CHI) were the only two Series 2 survivors. In Series 1, the performance levels in perfect condidtions were impressive. Top of the pile in winning a Finals place was Nancy Chardin (FRA) with 49.1m /161 ft. Second was Alex Lauretano (USA) with 48.4m, just ahead of Jutta Lammi (FIN) with 46.2m. Ten contenders will be on stage on Sunday for the Finals.
Tomorrow is all about Preliminary Tricks and Jump. The sun is guaranteed and the site will be perfect. Tune in tomorrow for an update.