James Xuereb grabs a world title on international debut
JAMES Xuereb did not expect to walk out of his first flat water jet-ski racing world championship as a winner – but he did.
Xuereb, from Salt Ash, is now the champion of the amateur veterans ski class after a strong performance at the 2014 Jettribe World Finals, which were held in the United States earlier this month.
“It was something I’ve wanted to do for a long time and I got the opportunity to go this year,” Xuereb said.
“Surprisingly, I did well in my class and came out world champion.”
Xuereb travelled to the United States with six other people affiliated with the Australian Jet Sports Boating Association to compete in the annual jet-ski world finals.
The jet-ski racing competition is on the international stage, with competitors from across the globe heading to Lake Havasu City, Arizona, to show off their stuff.
Xuereb, a prominent figure on the NSW and Australian circuits, has been racing for 15 years, but only made his international debut this year.
In the amateur veterans ski open, Xuereb excelled in the class, qualifying fourth for the main event.
In the first race Xuereb extended a 24-second lead on the field of 36 riders, securing the win.
The following day, in the second race, Xuereb had a good start, gained a good lead on the rest of the entrants and again finished first.
The results meant Xuereb walked away as the new world champion.
Now home, Xuereb has begun preparing for the 2015 Australian National Tour, which kicks off in February.
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Article by Port Stephens Examiner:
