Hugh Donaldson. Photo suppliedWhat was supposed to be a winter break to focus on study has turned in to a golden opportunity to rub shoulders with the best of the best for young water-skier Hugh Donaldson. Donaldson was initially selected to the New Zealand team for the 2017 IWWF World Waterski Open Championships as a reserve, but was given the call-up after one of the team members was injured.

“I saw on Facebook a few pictures of him with a cast on his ankle and stuff so we rung the coach to find out what was going on,” he said.

“It was a bit of a surprise and I am quite excited to be going.”

It will be the second time Donaldson has attended a world event this year, having competed at the Junior Worlds in Chile back in January, where he placed eighth, equalling his personal best in the slalom event and finishing as the top Australasian points scorer.

Hugely supportive mum Janeen said the opportunity to go to the open worlds at this young age is something very special.

“He has plenty of time ahead of him so we will be going in with the main goal of breaking pbs (personal bests),” she said.

“It will be a whole different level for him and will be a great experience.”

Hugh, along with brother George, will spend the next month training in Florida before travelling on to Paris for the world championships, beginning on September 3 and running through till September 11.

By Jaime Pitt-MacKay © The Ashburton Guardian - 5 August 2017