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Coventry student proud to represent Team GB in waterskiing
Will Shanahan
University news / Student news
Tuesday 15 October 2024
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A Coventry student is making waves in the world of waterskiing after competing for Team GB at the Europe and Africa Under 21 Championships.
Will Shanahan from Worthing, 19, is studying Geography and Natural Hazards at Coventry University, but regularly travels to Lincolnshire to train.
Despite only getting into the sport five years ago, Will is already a fixture at tournaments around the UK and Europe and was first selected to compete for Team GB back in 2021.
Since then, he’s competed in Greece, Austria, France and across the UK.
It is a bit of an unusual sport, it’s not something like football that a lot of people play. My cousin was running a waterskiing lake in Lincolnshire when I went up there to give it a go. She’s an ex-European and World Champion so I was learning from one of the best. I get such a thrill out of doing it, from the first time I tried it, I just loved it.
Will Shanahan
Will recently travelled to Lacanau in France where he joined five other Team GB teammates to compete in three events - the Slalom, Trick and Jump.
It was a successful competition for Will, who recorded a personal best in the Slalom, supported on the day by his parents and girlfriend.
Team GB came fifth overall at the tournament with Will coming in 17th of all competitors.
“It was a really good atmosphere at the competition and you do get the same people taking part in a lot of these championships so it’s a great chance to catch up. Jump is my favourite event, unfortunately I fell early in Trick which affected my score, but I’m pleased with my new PB in Slalom.
Ultimately I’m doing all this for fun really, it’s hard to make a living out of waterskiing and there’s incredible competition right at the top, but it’s just a sport I enjoy taking part in. It was an honour to be selected to first compete for Team GB back in 2021, and it’s something I’m still very proud of doing now. My friends at university were a bit surprised when they found out I do waterskiing, but they’re all really supportive and they understand if I have to miss the odd party or event because I’m competing.
Will Shanahan
Will says he plans to waterski next year in the IWWF World Waterski Championships in Canada.
Find out more about studying Geography at Coventry University.
