Jetski star Sam speeds to World Series titles

Sam Wilson took top spot in the novice ski stock and amateur ski four-stroke lites sections following the final round in Thailand.

The 17-year-old – who also won the Thailand King’s Cup – first became involved at the age of six, taking to it like the proverbial duck to water.

Practicing on a lake at Southport, he proved to be a natural before entering his first competition aged nine.

Mum Jan said: “Chris (Atherton), who ran the lake, said he would sponsor Sam when he was old enough to race and it went from there.

“His first competition was at Clacton-on-Sea, where the waves were massive.

“I said ‘you don’t have to do this’ but, of course, he went out and did it, and he has gone from there.”

That progress has brought success at home and abroad, with British and European honours as well as a World Series junior 14-15 ski four-stroke lites title in 2023.

Then, last year, European glory was accompanied by two British titles before his latest World Series success.

“That consisted of three rounds with the first in Japan around April or May,” Jan explained.

“Then there was a round in Belgium and it finished in Thailand where he was the winner overall.”

It might be two weeks into a new year but that doesn’t mean a prolonged spell of rest and relaxation for Sam.

He now has to progress to the pro-am classes in 2026, a year which also sees World Series races in Belgium and Thailand and a possible round in the USA.

It isn’t the cheapest of activities and also comes against the backdrop of studies.

Nevertheless, as Jan revealed, one thing that Sam can’t be accused of failing to prepare.

She said: “He goes out most Sundays to get on the water.

“His success is down to his dedication, while studying for his A-Levels at the same time.

“He practices, he goes running, he goes to the gym: he trains like an athlete and it’s paid off for him.”