Hollands strikes gold for New Zealand
At just 14, Tauranga’s Ellie Hollands has etched her name into waterski racing history, winning the Junior Girls IWWF World Championship title in Belgium.
Hollands dominated the four-race series, winning three heats and placing second in the other. A flawless performance in the decisive final race sealed her crown, with her best three results delivering the maximum 3000 points.
Her victory was the culmination of a true team effort, with driver Gene Hollands and observer Jeff Weake guiding her to the finish. Behind her, Britain’s Darcy Manchett (2978 points) and Luca Manchett (2721 points) rounded out the podium.
“This win is the result of dedication, perseverance and commitment,” New Zealand Water Ski Racing said in their celebratory announcement. “Ellie, we are so proud.”
Ratuki confirms junior boys podium
Hamilton’s Amos Ratuki built his reputation as a rising talent, stepping onto the Junior Boys podium after a consistent campaign.
He opened with a fourth place, then climbed steadily with back-to-back thirds, including a strong showing in the final race. That left him with 2874 points across his best three races, enough to secure third overall.
Australia’s Patrick Valencour was untouchable at the top of the class with 3000 points, while Britain’s Sam Hopkins edged Ratuki for second on 2894 points. Even so, Ratuki’s medal marks a milestone for New Zealand junior waterski racing.
Taylor breaks into the men’s top ten
Competing in the Men’s F2 class, Tauranga’s Kyle Taylor faced one of the toughest fields of the championship.
After two sixth-place finishes early in the series, a DNF in the final heat dropped him down the rankings. Still, his consistency earned him ninth overall, confirming a top-ten result against seasoned international opposition.
For a Kiwi in a category dominated by American and European powerhouses, Taylor’s placing showed gritt and determination.
Belgium crowns global champions
Beyond the Kiwi campaign, Belgium 2025 crowned new champions across the board:
- Carter Robertson (AUS) – Men’s Open
- Ryder Tovatt (USA) – Men’s F2
- Sylvia de Speigeleire (BEL) – Women’s Open
- Christel Magdeleyns (BEL) – Women’s F2
- Patrick Valencour (AUS) – Junior Boys
The strong local turnout ensured Belgian athletes claimed both senior women’s titles, while Australian and American skiers dominated the men’s ranks.
A landmark championship for New Zealand
With one world title, one junior podium, and a senior top-ten finish, this campaign will be remembered as New Zealand’s most successful yet.
The Kiwi squad never faltered. By the final day, they had proven New Zealand’s depth and determination in a sport often dominated by larger nations.
New Zealand skiers set for Belgium at the 2025 IWWF World Waterski Racing Championships
For Hollands, Ratuki, and Taylor, Belgium was not just about points and placings. It was about showing the world that Kiwi waterski racing belongs firmly on the global stage.
