Wakeboarder wins Great Briton title

Victoria Young wins BA award

A teenage wakeboarder, ranked world number three, has been crowned a British Airways Great Britons winner.

At just 16 years old, Victoria Young is five times National Champion, and her skill and dedication won over the BA voting panel. In addition, she was the first British woman to represent Great Britain at an international event.

Great Britons was launched as part of British Airways airline partnership with the 2012 Olympic Games. Winners receive free flights and other financial support. Entries are being accepted up until 2012.

The judges look for talented and passionate individuals who strive to be successful in their chosen field, from sport and the performing arts, to fashion and innovation. In the same category as Young, female pistol shooter Georgina Geikie was also announced as a winner.

Young began wakeboarding six years ago, thanks to encouragement from her siblings. The BA bursary will assist with travel to international competitions.

Wakeboarding, which is yet to be acknowledged as an Olympic sport, was developed from a mix of surfing, snowboarding and waterskiing during the 1990s. The surface water sport requires exceptional balance and involves airborne maneuvers and tricks. The rider is launched into the air when the cable tightens, gathering speed and momentum.

The European Championships are next on Young’s agenda.

For more information, visit www.greatbritons.ba.com or to see Young in action, check out our VIDEO section.