Trent takes on the world

Trent Nelson-Cranfield is off to compete in Japan. Photo: Luke Phelan
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Trent Nelson-Cranfield began life as a water skier at the tender age of eight-years-old when his parents purchased him a ‘Learn to Ski’ lesson on the nearby Hawkesbury River.

While most parents would think a water skiing lesson for their son would have been a fun way to pass the afternoon, Nelson-Cranfield’s parents saw something in their child that day that would quickly turn into an obsession that has him competing on the world stage.

“Mum and Dad saw the motivation and passion I had in the sport and from that moment they gave me every opportunity they could to bring out my potential,” the 21-year-old Glenmore Park resident said.

13 years on and Nelson-Cranfield is now one of the world’s best water skiers, currently ranked at number 38 but, in a few days time, is expected to climb into the world top 15.

It’s been an incredible ride for the Western Sydney University student, who also runs his own car detailing and tutoring business in between training and competing all over the world.

“I spend a lot of my spare time in Canberra and Newcastle training while during the Christmas holidays I’ll spend five or so weeks at Port Macquarie practicing at a world class facility,” Nelson-Cranfield said.

While Nelson-Cranfield is one of Australia’s best young water skiers, he’s also no stranger to international waters with excellent results in pro events in both the US and New Zealand.

In September Nelson-Cranfield will again hit the world stage when he becomes one of six Aussies to compete at the 2016 Water Ski World University Championships in Japan.

In Japan, Nelson-Cranfield will compete in three different events including slalom skiing, a trick event and ‘jump’.

“Jump is an event where we basically throw ourselves at a ramp and see how far we can go on two skis,” Nelson-Cranfield explained.

“My best event is slalom skiing, which is where you have to go around designated buoys on the flat water.”

Nelson-Cranfield said it’s hard to comprehend just how much his life has changed since that day as a kid on the Hawkesbury, but one thing’s for sure, that random water skiing lesson from his parents was no doubt the best present he’s ever received.


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