Chestermere wakesurfer Jolene Allen has made her hometown proud by capturing a silver medal at the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Wakesurf Championships held in Hong Kong, China. The prestigious event took place from November 2nd to 10th at the scenic Tai Po Waterfront Park, drawing top athletes from around the globe.
Allen entered the competition with high expectations, having consistently performed well in national and international events. During the qualifier heats, she dominated her category, securing first place and setting the stage for a promising finish. However, the competition took an unexpected turn when the threat of an approaching typhoon loomed over Hong Kong.
Organizers, aiming to ensure the safety of participants and adhere to the event schedule, decided to expedite the finals. “They added our final run to the end of the day, and I was the very last rider to go,” Allen recounted. “Unfortunately, it pushed me to ride into the dark.”
Competing under dim conditions posed significant challenges. “It was quite difficult to see the waves,” she admitted. Despite the obstacles, Allen delivered a performance that earned her the silver medal in the Veteran Women “Skim” category. “Every competition poses its challenges, and I think as an athlete, it’s good to learn from every experience,” she reflected. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and proud of how I handled the situation.”
Team Canada’s overall performance was commendable, finishing fourth in the competition. “We didn’t even have a full team there, so to come in fourth, I felt like we did really well,” Allen said. The United States clinched first place, followed by Hong Kong in second and Ukraine in third.
The Canadian team’s success was highlighted by several podium finishes:
Bailey Rush of Ponoka, Alberta, captured second place in Open Women “Skim” style and third place in Open Women “Surf” style.
Lily Anderson from Kelowna, British Columbia, secured second in Open Women “Surf.”
Morgan Bateman of Lacombe, Alberta, took third in U18 Female “Skim” and placed fifth in “Surf.”
Kerry Williams from Calgary, Alberta, placed fourth in U18 Male “Skim.”
Amy Gillespie, also from Calgary, finished seventh in Open Women “Skim.”
Bennett Bateman of Lacombe placed twelfth in Grom Boys “Surf.”
The World Wakesurf Championships is a premier event that showcases the skills and dedication of wakesurfers worldwide. This year’s competition was particularly intense, with athletes facing not only tough opponents but also unpredictable weather conditions.
Allen’s journey to the podium is a testament to her perseverance and passion for the sport. A resident of Chestermere, she has been a prominent figure in the local wakesurfing community, often seen practicing on Chestermere Lake. Her dedication extends beyond personal achievements; she is an advocate for the sport’s growth in Canada.
“Next year, I plan to continue riding and volunteering,” Allen shared. “I want to ensure wakesurfing events continue to happen in Canada and make them accessible to everyone.” She emphasizes the importance of community involvement and aims to inspire the next generation of athletes.
With the competition season now over, Allen looks forward to some much-needed time off. “It’s been a long year of training and competing. I’m excited to relax and spend time with family and friends,” she said. Yet, her passion for wakesurfing remains unwavering. “I’m already thinking about how to improve for next season.”
Chestermere Mayor and council members have expressed their congratulations to Allen for her outstanding performance. “Jolene has put Chestermere on the international wakesurfing map,” one council member remarked. “Her achievements inspire us all, and we’re proud to have her represent our community.”
As the wakesurfing community continues to grow in Chestermere and across Canada, athletes like Allen play a crucial role in promoting the sport. Their successes on the world stage not only bring recognition but also encourage young enthusiasts to pursue their passions.
For now, Chestermere celebrates Jolene Allen’s silver medal as a shining example of what dedication and resilience can achieve. Her story serves as an inspiration, reminding us that even in the face of unforeseen challenges, perseverance can lead to triumph.
