Georgia Groen is a New Zealand barefoot water-skier. In 2016, she won the overall open women's title at the Barefoot Waterski World Championships held in Wisconsin, United States.[1]

Biography edit

Groen grew up in the North Island town of Ōtaki, where she attended Kāpiti College.[2] In 2013, she moved to Christchurch to study at the University of Canterbury.[1]

Competitions edit

Groen competed in her first event at the age of 8,[3] and her first world championship event at the age of 12, in 2009. In 2013, she attended the Barefoot Waterski World Championships in Mulwala, Australia, and won silver in the overall open women's section.[4]

In the 2016 championship, Groen won the overall open women's title, and also her third consecutive open world trick title, silver in open slalom, silver in open jump and a bronze in the open team overall event.[5]

Awards edit

In 2011, Groen won the Kāpiti Emerging Sportsperson of the Year Award,[6] and the Sportsperson of the Year in 2012.[7]

References edit

  1. ^ a b Haxton, David (4 October 2016). "Barefoot skier Georgia Groen is a world champion". New Zealand Herald. ISSN 1170-0777. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  2. ^ "Georgia Groen Barefoot world champion". www.allteams.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  3. ^ "Georgia Groen, Featured Footer «  World Barefoot Center". www.worldbarefootcenter.com. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  4. ^ "UC student scoops gold at world champs". dh.canterbury.ac.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  5. ^ "Barefoot Kiwi top of water world". Stuff. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  6. ^ Strang, Ben (9 May 2011). "Blind cyclist cleans up awards". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.
  7. ^ Strang, Ben (6 May 2012). "Skater breaks man drought". Stuff.co.nz. Retrieved 4 October 2016.