GB waterski jump specialist Jack Critchley has got back to winning ways, soaring 67.8 metres to victory in the dark at the LA Night Jam in Louisiana, USA.

The competition took place at Bennett’s Ski School on Saturday 10th June. Jack had the longest jump of 69.9 metres in round one – in daylight - to go straight through to the 6-man night final as the top seed.

As the last man to hit the ramp in the final, he knew he had to beat 67.1 metres – a distance which three of the finalists had recorded. He did it and picked up his first win in some time.

Jack last topped the podium at a pro event in October 2021, at the Malibu Open at Trophy Lakes in South Carolina, USA. He has had a series of podium near misses, most recently at the 2023 Masters in the US in May where he was fourth. He was also fourth at the last Open World Championships in 2021.

Jack Critchley in Florida in May 2023. Photo: James Timothy

“I’m pumped.  It’s been a tough couple of years but another win under the belt.  It feels awesome, I’m happy,” Jack said.

Dorien Llewellyn of Canada and the USA’s Freddy Krueger and Taylor Garcia were the three jumpers who tied with 67.1m but the remaining podium places were decided on countback with the distances reached in the earlier two rounds taken into account. It put Taylor Garcia second (69.2m in round one) and Freddy Krueger third (68.8m in round one).

LA Night Jam 2023 Podium.  L-R Taylor Garcia, Jack Critchley, Freddy Krueger.  Photo: Anny Wooldridge

GB’s Joel Poland also made the final after a 66.8m in round two. Unfortunately, he crashed without registering a distance to finish 6th. He was reported to be fine after the crash.

Full results can be found here.

There was success for GB skiers last weekend too.  Freddie Winter was second and Rob Hazelwood third at the Lake 38 Pro Am slalom near Tallahassee, Florida.  

Lake 38 Pro Am 2023 men's slalom podium.  L-R Rob Hazelwood, Nate Smith (1st), Freddie Winter