WATER WHIZ

Skier shines in Florida

September 9, 1990

The Citizen

by Philip Wolf

One of the world’s best water-skiers is returning home this month – to Shawnigan Lake.

Kim de Macedo, 18, has spent a busy summer competing on the pro circuit in the U.S., but is coming back to Cowichan Secondary to complete her high school education.

Over the weekend, de Macedo was part of the Canadian team taking part at the Pan American Water Ski Championships in Ixtapan, Mexico. She topped the slalom event in the open’s women’s division, and followed with a fifth-place effort in jumping – soaring 127 feet.

A tough-luck fall on her first trick saw her end up finishing fifth overall, with the four-person Canadian contingent finishing second to their U.S. counterparts. Grace de Macedo (Kim’s mother), said her daughter has been living near West Palm Beach, Florida since January, but is returning Sept. 17 to complete her final semester of school.

“She said she’ll be glad to be home,” said Grace de Macedo, “it’s been a hectic year.” She said Kim “skied really well at the Pan Am Games, but had some bad luck – like any athlete.”

Kim de Macedo made about eight pro tour stops across North America this year, and was pleased with her efforts. “She’s the youngest on the tour,” said her mother. “She’s got the potential in the world.” Top skiers on the circuit can earn upwards of $100,000 each year, not including endorsements. “Waterskiing is really big in the States,” said Grace de Macedo, “there’s a lot of tour money out there.”

The young de Macedo began waterskiing when she was just five years old, making good use of the family’s lakeshore location. “She was always really gutsy,” said Grace de Macedo. “You take a lot of hard knocks and falls, especially when you’re going over the jumps. It takes a lot of determination – and strength.”

Once de Macedo finishes her high school career, it’s likely back to Florida, where possible scholarship offers await.

Shawnigan Lake’s top water-skier could soon be a Florida State Seminole. “Kim really likes it down there in Florida,” offered her mother. “Though it’s really busy when she’s on tour. People think it’s so glamorous, but there’s a lot of travel and living out of a suitcase isn’t much fun.

Whenever she comes home, she always says this is the most beautiful place on earth.” De Macedo actually stays in a little town called Leesburg, about the same size as Cobble Hill. Grace de Macedo said waterskiing is just like any other sport – “If you want to be the best, you have to dedicate yourself.” She also noted the number of quality athletes coming out of the Cowichan-Chemainus Valleys. “It must be something in the water,” joked Grace de Macedo. “There sure is a lot of good ones.” Kim is off to Austria tomorrow (Monday) to take part in the Austrian masters event. It will be good preparation for next year’s world championships – held at the same site.