Rodney quits at top

Rodney quits at top

22 August 2012

KILLYLEAGH waterskier Rodney Watson has called time on the end of his glittering career.

The 46 year-old announced his retirement from top flight competitions after winning the Irish slalom title for the 12th time at Lough Aghery Waterski Club near Anahilt recently.

Watson, who had been the dominant force in Irish slalom for almost two decades, said he wanted to go out at the top.

His nearest challenger was 21 year-old Dubliner Jake Bridges, who is based is Spain and waterskis more or less full time. Two months ago Bridges broke Watson’s Irish slalom record which had stood for 14 years.

“I don’t think I can go on competing against the younger lads much longer,” he said. This was my toughest Irish championship ever and I certainly feeling aches and pains at the end of it.

“I thought it was the right time to retire because I wanted to go out at the top. I will still take part in senior and club competitions, but the days of me competing in top rank open events are over.”

But the waterskiing dug hasn’t left Watson — he will be back on the water in a few weeks’ time at a seniors event in Austria.