Building on early momentum
The 2025 IWWF World Waterski Racing Championships in Hasselt, Belgium have delivered a breakthrough for New Zealand’s three-skier squad. After a history-making opening win for Tauranga’s Ellie Hollands, the Kiwis have carried that momentum into Round 3 with more podiums and strong performances across the board.
The format originally called for four races, but weather forced one cancellation. With just three heats now complete, the combined results will decide the overall world champions.
Hollands has been the standout of the New Zealand team. After back-to-back wins in the opening rounds, she added a second-place finish in Round 3, splitting the British pair who took first and third.
Her series record:
- Race 1: 1st – 1000 points
- Race 2: 1st – 1000 points
- Race 3: 2nd – 955 points (approx)
Those results leave her firmly in contention for a final podium when the overall tallies are confirmed.
Junior Boys – Ratuki earns another podium
Hamilton’s Amos Ratuki stepped up again in Round 3, claiming third place in the Junior Boys division. Added to his earlier fourth and third, it gives him a strong, consistent record across the shortened championship.
His results:
- Race 1: 4th – 897.92 points
- Race 2: 3rd – 955.97 points
- Race 3: 3rd – points pending
Like Hollands, Ratuki’s combined score leaves him in the mix for a final world podium spot.
Men’s F2 – Taylor completes the series
In the men’s F2 class, Kyle Taylor faced one of the toughest fields of the championships. After sixth-place finishes in the opening two rounds, he wrapped up the series with ninth in Round 3. That consistency should put him inside the top ten overall, a strong result against international opposition.
Five world titles confirmed
While the junior girls’ world crown is still being finalised, five categories were settled with new champions crowned:
- Carter Robertson (AUS) – Men’s Open
- Ryder Tovatt (USA) – Men’s F2
- Sylvia De Spegerlerie (BEL) – Women’s Open
- Christel Magdekyns (BEL) – Women’s F2
- Patrick Valencour (AUS) – Junior Boys
Kiwis wait for podium confirmation
For the New Zealand team, the cancelled fourth race added extra pressure, but the results speak for themselves: multiple podiums, top-ten finishes, and a presence in two of the most competitive junior divisions.
With final standings still to be announced, the Kiwis remain firmly in the conversation. Whatever the official outcome, Belgium 2025 has already marked one of New Zealand’s most successful World Championship campaigns.
