The most prestigious and biggest international water-ski championship in Belgium, the ‘Diamond Race’ was held for the 26^th time in Viersel on the 26^th of June 2011.

For the water-ski and speed/race boat fans and enthusiasts was this weekend great fun and excitement watching 88 teams representing 8 countries in 4 races with 10 categories fight for the titles in this world-known water-ski racing event. International water-skiers represented Austria, Australia, Germany, Great Britain, The Netherlands, Spain, USA and Belgium. With more than 20 powerful boats in one race , the canal of Viersel was turned into a rough body of water that only a good coordination between the pilot, observer and water-skier with great stamina and endurance could finish the race. But like what Darren Kirkland (last year’s Diamond Race F1 Champion) commented, ‘just one tiny mistake and the team would be out of the race’! Concentration and team-coordination are the key words when it comes to water-ski race.

The 26^th Diamond Race is very historic when the siblings Christopher and Trudi Stout won the F1 in the Men’s and Ladies’ races respectively. Robert Manchett was Christopher’s observer in his team while Trudi has Peter de Weert side by side with Robet Wright as pilot of the “Boat 222” in both races. These teams dominated their respective races from the beginning to the end! The Stout’s were not new in the Diamond Race; Trudi was last year’s winner in F1, successfully defending her title this year while Christopher was the second place in Men’s F1. It couldn’t have been different since Christopher is Australia’s no. 1 water-skier! I could say: "they could ski before they could walk". It’s quite a distance from the ‘land down under’ to the western part of Europe but this siblings love to ski in Belgium (they participated also in other Open Belgian Water Ski Championships this year and in the past years, not to mention Christopher’s participation in the 2009 World Championship)! And the Belgian water ski public and fans like to see them ski here naturally. It was a big day for the Australian teams for grabbing the top places in the F1 categories!

Also present at this year’s Diamond Race was Kim Lumley Manchett who came with her 5-month baby “Darcy” and her husband Robert Manchett! Kim, one of the best water-skiers in the world has raced also in this canal! The last time was in 2009 when she won the World Championship.

There were thousands of spectators all over the world during the Diamond Race. It was not only for water-ski fans but it was also an entertainment for the whole family. There were special playgrounds and activities for the children. The organization headed by Ms. Vera Van den Bossche together with all the members and staff did a very good job in holding this great event. Mr. Rob Harks emceed throughout the whole event, with Darren Kirkland as co-commentator. Accordingly, the races were under the keen observation of an international panel of judges seeing to it that everything was within the rules and regulations.

The official awarding of the prizes took place early that evening. The Diamond Race 2011 ended with a big blast ….a big party! For those who miss this fantastic event, be sure you’ll be there next year!!!

Official Results of the 26^th Diamond Race:

Mens F1   Christopher Stout (AUT)

Mens F2   Richard Kirk   (GBR)

Mens F3   Kenny Weckx (BEL)

Womens F1 Trudi Stout    (AUT)

Womens F2 Lisa Craemer (NED)

Womens F3 Nikita Van Craen (BEL)

Seniors     Patrick Dom  (BEL)

Juniors      Robin Marien (BEL)

Eurokids A Lee Holland   (GBR)

Eurokids B Michael Foerstel (AUT)

For official race results, please visit: www.skirace.net

Special thanks to Ms. Kim Van den Bossche and Mr. Frank Goolaerts