Ben Copping from Naracoorte has achieved a world-record performance in adaptive waterskiing after setting the IWWF Disabled A/L2 Slalom world record at the Australian National Water Ski Championships in Mulwala. The 42-year-old, who lives with multiple disabilities including right-sided hemiplegia, hearing loss and vision impairment, recorded half a buoy at 52km/h on an 18.25m rope line. Born with cerebral palsy and later losing sight in one eye following an accident, Mr Copping said his passion for waterskiing began as a child at Lake Fellmongery. After years of setbacks and classification challenges, he was reclassified into the A/L2 adaptive category in 2025, paving the way for his record-breaking achievement. Mr Copping credited his family, employer Woolworths, local communities and the wider waterskiing community for supporting his journey, with hopes of representing Australia at future international championships.
Sports News
Naracoorte Water Skier Ben Copping Breaks Adaptive Slalom World Record
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