Waterskiier Calum Heath interviewed
Tell us about yourself
I am 11 years old and live in Deal with my mum and dad, Gill and Kevi), but we are moving very soon to a place called Hacklinge, which is just outside Deal to live next door to my nan and grandad. I have a brother, Jamie, who is 28 and a sister, Katie who is 26, but they have left home now and I have two lovely nieces called Taylor and Matilda. All of my family water ski, although I am the only one that competes - I'm hoping that Taylor and Matilda will learn to ski when they are a bit older.
I have been skiing since I was five, but only started competing two years ago. Last year I did very well and ended up winning both Division 4 Slalom and Trick Skiing. I came second in the National Youth Championships and was picked to represent Great Britain in the under-12 team in a competition in France. We came third overall.
What are you doing now?
I attend Sholden Primary School in Deal and I am in year six. My head Mistress, Mrs McPhee, has been brilliant in letting me have time off school to train and compete. In September, I will going to Sandwich Technical School, which will be very exciting.
What are your ambitions for the future?
This year I am hoping to win at the National Youth Championships and to represent Great Britain again. My aim is to break the under-12 British slalom record before the end of next year, and ultimately I would love to be World Champion.
What’s the best thing about living in Kent?
I love living where I do as I have lots and lots of friends and plenty of room for my three pet sheep, Carlos, Gwen and Jo-Jo.
Where do you like to go out?
I belong to a water ski club at Lydd and we go there at weekends when I don't have a competition and during the summer holidays. Our friends, Dianne and Simon Rainne, own a water sjki club called Action Watersports at Lydd, where I also train weekly. Four times a year I go with mum and dad to Xtreme-Gene in Codoba, Spain where I get coached by former British champion, Matt Southam. We have been going to Spain to ski now for five years, and it was Matt who first taught me to slalom ski.
What are your hobbies?
When I am not skiing, I love playing football and I am in the school football team. I support West Ham and I went to see them play on my birthday, which was great.
What’s the last book you read?
The last book I read would have been my West Ham annual, although I do enjoy reading the Horrid Henry books.
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