New Zealand water skiers (from left) George Donaldson, Emily Milner and Hugh Donaldson celebrate their medal-winning performances at the Oz-Kiwi Challenge on Sunday. Photo suppliedMid Canterbury’s group of Kiwi water skiing representatives were among the medals at Lake Crichton following the Oz-Kiwi Challenge.

It was the first time the annual event had been held in the region since the 2014 edition at Lake Hood.

The touring Australians reigned supreme on the water across the four days of competition, however the Kiwis had their moments of glory.

Emily Milner was a multiple medal winner at under-17 level following a tussle with her trans-Tasman rivals.

The Ashburton teen secured bronze medals in the slalom and tricks with a personal best tally of 3210 points.

She went one better in the jump as her 35.1m leap won her silver and a second best ever score to boot.

Ashburton’s George Donaldson took home a bronze medal in the slalom, skiing a best of half a bouy on the short 12m line in the under-21 category.

He placed sixth overall.

Brother Hugh Donaldson placed fourth overall but earned silver in the tricks following two good runs.

A total of 48 skiers from both countries hit the lake, contesting honours in the under-14, under-17 and under-21 categories.

The under-17 and under-21 divisions, in particular, were hotly contested with medals well shared among both nations.

Event co-ordinator Janeen Donaldson said the podiums rewarded “consistency”.

“It’s not an event you can throw away a score in.”

Skiers showcased top form throughout as competitors gunned for Junior World Team selection later in the season.

Australian under-17 representative Sade Ferguson – number one seed in the junior world jump rankings – also broke the New Zealand Girls’ Allcomers Jump Record by over three metres, courtesy of a towering 43.6m leap on Saturday.

By Adam Burns © The Ashburton Guardian - 13 February 2020