A Wandsworth water skier has won one of the biggest professional competitions of the year.

Last Sunday (October 11), Freddie Winter, 30, and the world’s number one slalom skier, won the Swiss Pro Slalom competition in Clermont, Florida.

Born in Tooting but now based in the US, Mr Winter was World Champion in 2017 and won silver in 2019.

On Sunday at the Swiss Pro Slalom, Mr Winter edged out the world record holder, Nate Smith (USA), by the smallest of margins. 

Wandsworth Times: Freddie Winter in slalom action in 2019 (image: David Crowder)Freddie Winter in slalom action in 2019 (image: David Crowder) The British skier rounded 5 buoys with a rope length of 10.25 metres while the American scored 4.5 buoys on the same rope length.

He now has a commanding lead in the 2020 Waterski Nation Pro Tour, having won three of the four competitions to date.  

The event was broadcast live by The WaterSki Broadcasting Company. 

“I’m so extremely happy to be on top at such a competitive event,” Mr Winter said, after picking up a cheque for $2,500.

Wandsworth Times: Freddie Winter won first place at the Swiss Pro Slalom Freddie Winter won first place at the Swiss Pro Slalom

“After a year in which we weren’t sure if there would be tournaments, it’s great to be able to ski against the best.”

“The WaterSki Broadcasting Company has reached new levels in its broadcasting efforts - something else that is incredibly exciting for the sport.”

The final stop of the 2020 Waterski Nation Pro Tour is the Mastercraft Pro. It takes place on October 23-24 at Ski Fluid in Polk City, Florida.