Meet Jake Abelson, the young waterskier who turned a childhood dream into two world records

Jake Abelson is 16 years old, comes from the USA and specializes in waterskiing. He holds the record for the most points from waterskiing tricks (male).

His connection to waterskiing started through his family. Both of his parents competed internationally. His mother was a member of the Mexican team, while his father competed for the Canadian team.

Jake started waterskiing at 2 and a half years old. At age 4, he was introduced to trick skiing, which would gradually become his favorite part of the sport.

From Spins to Aerial Tricks

Jake primarily learned how to perform spins. By the time he was 8, he had advanced to performing flips in the air.

Trick skiing rapidly became the discipline he enjoyed most.

One of his biggest inspirations has been Jimmy Siemers, who set a waterskiing world record at the age of 18. Jake grew up watching Siemers ski, preparing for comps.

Today, Jake has the opportunity to ski along with Siemers and his coach, Camilo Espinel.

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Recovering From an Elbow Injury

Jake's preparation for the 2024 competition season was interrupted by an injury.

He tore an elbow in October 2023, just ahead of the world championships. Rather than giving up on his dreams, he used the challenge as motivation to work toward his return.

He trained six days a week, that included through cold winter conditions, concentrating on various aspects of his skiing.

Jake also spent considerable time developing fresh sequences of tricks. Although the combinations primarily appeared impossible, repeated practice enabled him to make them achievable.

His recovery took six months before skiing felt normal again.

First World Record In April 2024

Jake's persistence eventually produced the result he had been working toward.

In April 2024, he broke the world record with a score of 12,720 points.

Dream of my childhood come true. But returning to training after having set the record gave him a different perspective.

Although he knew he could continue improving, Jake also wanted to keep enjoyment at the center of his skiing.

Jake Also Competes in Jump and Slalom

Although trick skiing is his preferred event, Jake also participates in jump and slalom.

Jump skiing concentrates on distance. Skiers will do their best to get as much air as possible after they take off from a ramp with all their might.

Slalom, by contrast, is all about precision. Competitors must complete a course having six buoys while covering the shortest distance possible.

Family and Inspiration Behind the Journey

Jake's progress in waterskiing has been shaped by both his family and the people who inspired him in the sport.

His parents introduced him to an environment where international competitive waterskiing was already part of family life. His admiration for Jimmy Siemers later offered him another example to follow as he developed his own dreams.

After recovering from injury, Jake returned to competition with renewed determination. His training, record-breaking performances and remained focused on enjoying the sport have shaped his journey as a young waterskier.

Source: Guinness World Records