Rodney rules again

Rodney rules again

20 July 2016

A KILLYLEAGH waterskiing sensation is stepping down from top level competition after becoming Irish champion once again at the age of 50.

Rodney Watson won the Irish slalom title for an amazing 14th time at Cork Powerboat and Waterski Club at the weekend.

Competing in the elite open category, Watson lay in second place overnight, but produced an outstanding display on Sunday to edge out his nearest rivals, Cork brothers Daniel and Barry Glavin — aged 18 and 19 respectively.

Afterwards Watson admitted that it was hard work and that he was stepping down from competing at the top flight.

“The age gap is getting too much and I can’t go on forever,” he said.

Everyone is so much younger than me now. The Galvin brothers are really good and it’s incredible to think that when I started off I was competing against their dad, Barry senior, who won the senior event this year.”

Watson admitted that he travelled to Cork more in hope than in expectation.

“I hadn’t been doing that much competitive skiing in the past couple of years, so I had to work really hard,” he continued.

“I went quite well on Saturday and I was lucky to get better scores on Sunday.

“Going into the championships I thought I had a chance of doing well and I am delighted to have won. It’s nice to go out at the top.”

Watson isn’t exactly putting his waterskis away — he still plans to compete in some senior events.

And he’s also busy training with the rest of the Killyleagh Yacht Club crew which will be taking part in the Skiffie Worlds 

rowing championships which get underway in Strangford Lough this Sunday.