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September 24-25
World Cup Stop Enniskillen, Northern Ireland
After my decent finish of 4th (again) at the U.S. Open, I knew my skiing was on a high and that I had to go to Ireland. I had originally thought, because of school, that I would not make this tournament. I knew I was skiing well though, and I would be on the bubble for top eight on the Elite list if did really well in Ireland. So I booked a flight and decided I would give it a go! I realized I had nothing to lose and everything to gain, and I was ready to gain!
The flight to the United Kingdom (Northern Ireland is part of the UK) was long as usual, since it was my 3rd trip to Europe this year. I realized I was getting a little wary of long flights. I didn’t care though, I wanted to be there. When I arrived in Dublin (we actually flew into Ireland and drove) Steve Cockeram (from New Zealand) and I rented a car and drove into Northern Ireland. The two hour drive to Enniskillen fulfilled every image I had of Ireland before seeing it in real life. I felt like I was in one of those Irish calendars. The small winding roads with and soft green grass flowing along the sides next to cute little Irish estates was breathtaking. The vibrant green was brighter than I had ever imagined, and despite the grey sky, the beauty of the green hills surrounding us as we drove along, canceled out the grim color of the sky. Ireland is definitely one of my favorite places that I have ever seen, not just because of its extreme beauty, but because I loved the people too.
As soon as we arrived in the little city of Enniskillen, which is in the western area of Northern Ireland, we went straight to the hotel. The hotel was quaint and the view outside of a large river and rolling green hills behind it was stunning, just like the rest of the country. Before I had even been on the water I was so happy to be in such a lovely place. After we checked in Ralphie (Steve Cockeram) and I drove out to the River Erne where we would be competing. The narrow strip of the river we would be skiing on was nestled just in the heart of Enniskillen, such a unique place to have a water ski tournament. At the end of the course on the River Erne was a medieval castle. It was as I have said over and over, just stunning!  I loved it and I didn’t even care if it was going to be freezing. In fact, when we got off of the plane I said to Ralphie that I hoped it would be really cold, because I knew I could handle it after training in England most of the summer and last fall. Yes, I had been in Florida for a month, but I was still acclimated somewhat to cold weather. I would ski without a wet suit no matter what. I had no intention of wearing any wet suits, unless there was snow!
As we came up to the River Erne, we were met by several friendly people putting the tournament on. Everyone we came into contact with was pleasant and so happy to have us competing in Enniskillen. It was really a warm reception, which is always encouraging. That evening all of the skiers had dinner together at our hotel overlooking the gorgeous river. As we all huddled up for a warm meal in our sweaters, it almost felt like Christmas. Perhaps it felt that way because we were coming to the end of our season, much like the end of the year, and we are all like one big family. After dinner June Flagborg, Mark Lane, Ralphie, Jackie Hunter, and myself all sat down and had great talk about how much we love what we do, and how our crazy jet-setting lives are almost surreal. One of them said they wouldn’t trade their life for anything and it made me thankful to be in this sport. It may be small, it may not have millions of dollars in it yet, but I love it. We all do or we would have quit a long time ago.
 The first day of the tournament it was probably in the 50’s (F) when the women hit the water at 9am. I was still suffering slightly from jet lag, but as soon as I stepped out into the crisp air I woke up. When I arrived at the site I went for a jog, all bundled up, and worked up a light sweat to warm up my stiff muscles. The jog helped and soon I was sweating underneath all of my layers. When it was my turn I pealed off the layers and the cool air actually felt nice. I was ready to go! When I jumped in the water it was definitely, well fresh, but I didn’t let my mind even think the word cold. I had work to do. It would take at least 2 @ 35 off to get into the finals and I was going to do it. I went out there and did it, I got 3.5 buoys at 35 off (12 meters) which put me third to last in the final round, a perfect place!
The day of the finals was slightly warmer, but still cool. I was ready again to go out there and give it my all, it was after all my last important event of the year and I wanted to go out with a bang! I wasn’t exactly sure, but knew a first or second place finish at this event would probably push me into the coveted top eight in the Elite Ranking List. After Sarah Green went out and got 1.5 @ 38 off (11.25 meters), I knew I would have to get it together. I would be tough and I would get every last piece of every buoy that I could. After I ran the 35off (12 meter) pass I threw the first, something I don’t often do. I was going to go for it now. I knew 3 or 4 @ 38 off (11.25 meters) would not be an easy score to beat in the conditions. Unfortunately, I fell around 3 buoy which mean I would get a score of 2.5 @ 38off (11.25 meters), the score guaranteed me 3rd place, which I was happy about, but I realized it more than likely would not be enough for a win. Surely enough, Karen Truelove, a seasoned slalom skier, went out and got 3 @ 38off (11.25 meters). I would be 2nd though, my best placement in a professional tournament so far! To top off my great performance, my boyfriend Glenn Campbell also placed 2nd in the men’s slalom. Although I am sure he wanted to win too, it was great for us to experience success together in the same day! After the awards ceremony Ralphie, Glenn, and myself all went to a local Irish pub to get the full experience and we had the best time! The locals were so friendly and knew about the water ski tournament and were happy to meet us. It was a perfect night.
 To top everything off, at the banquet it was announced that I was the IWSF World Cup Champion for 2005. My points from the 4th place in Russia and the 2nd in Ireland were enough to make me the World Cup Champion. This would be my first big title! Although it isn’t technically a professional win I was really happy to end the season with such a substantial title as World Cup Champion, all of my hard work seemed to have paid off in that moment.
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