Waterway to make a big splash

MEDAL GLORY: Elliot Lux helped Great Britain to win gold in Portugal.

WATER SPORTS: TALENTED teenager Elliot Lux helped Great Britain’s wakeboard team claim gold — and dedicated the shock first place finish to his poorly mother.

Mum Maggie was diagnosed with breast cancer just weeks before the EAME (Europe, Middle East & Africa) Championships in Portugal, but 18-year-old Elliot, from Denshaw, was determined to do her and dad Perry proud by battling on.

Lacking the funding their closest rivals enjoyed and with the odds stacked against them, Great Britain edged out favourites Italy and France.

Wakeboarding is a combination of water skiing, snow boarding and surfing techniques.

Delighted Perry said: “Obviously it was difficult for Elliot when he heard the news about my wife but he wanted to continue to give her something to smile about.

“I can’t even begin to describe the feeling when I saw my son at the ceremony with a gold medal and Union Jack draped over his shoulders.”

It proved the highlight of a season that also saw Elliot finish fourth in the UK Wakeboard Nationals’ open men’s division before topping the Rider League’s outlaw category.

He also received a TASS (Talented Athlete Scholarship Scheme) award for Wakeboarding from UK Sport, having reached international standard and made it into the top four of the British rankings for his age group.

Elliot, who trains at Whitworth Water Ski Club, and his GB colleagues couldn’t afford to compete in the world championships in South Korea, again due to a lack of funding.

He is now back in the gym preparing for his final year in the junior men category, with one eye on a return to the EAMEs, this time hosted by Sweden.

Sponsors Ultimate Surf, Wake & Ski Boat, Stateside Foods and CBG Group have helped the gifted youngster compete in various competitions.

But Elliot and the team require more financial support.

Give Perry a ring on 07860 288415 if you can help.