Kim Lumley-Manchett (UK)

Kim Lumley-Manchett, a distinguished waterski racer from the UK, left an indelible mark on the sport with an impressive list of achievements. Her prowess on the waterski racing circuit earned her several World Championships titles, showcasing her exceptional skill and dedication.

In the World Championships arena, Kim clinched the gold medal in 2005 at Hunstanton, GB, and again in 2009 in Belgium. Prior to these victories, she consistently displayed her competitive spirit, participating in the 1999, 2001, and 2003 World Championships, securing commendable 7th and 6th place finishes. Kim's early foray into Worlds as a Junior in 1997 saw her triumph in the first race, only to face an unfortunate injury.

The European Championships witnessed Kim's dominance every two years, with consecutive wins in 2002, 2004, 2006, and 2008. Her supremacy extended to the Europe Cup Series, where she secured the Ladies category for an impressive eight-year streak from 2002 to 2009.

Within the UK, Kim's presence loomed large at the GB National Championships. Starting as a Junior in 1997 and 1998, she transitioned to become the Ladies Champion from 1999 to 2005 for seven consecutive years. In a remarkable feat, Kim claimed the Open Champion title in 2006, 2007, and 2009, surpassing her male counterparts.

Classic races became Kim's playground, with notable victories in the Diamond Race (Belgium) from 2002 to 2009 and the Catalina Island Race (Long Beach, California) in 2002 and 2004 through 2009. Her triumphs also extended to the Bridge to Bridge race in Australia, where she emerged victorious in 2006 in the Ladies Open category.

Kim's excellence in waterski racing did not go unnoticed, earning her prestigious awards such as the GB General Lascelles Award in 2005 and 2009, the EAME Lady Ski Racer of the Year from 2005 to 2009, and the World (IWWF) Female Racing Skier of the Year in 2005, 2006, and 2009. She also served as the IWWF World Racing Council athletes representative from 2005 to 2007 and the EAME Racing Council Athletes representative from 2007 to 2010.

Beyond her personal achievements, Kim's dedication to the sport continues through her role as a mother and mentor. She observes and trains her three daughters alongside her father, Tom, and husband, Robert, all of whom actively participate in the UK waterski racing series. Tom, Kim's father, further contributes to the watersports community by organizing the iconic Hanseatic Festival of Watersports, a competition where the family competes and garners attention from a captivated audience.