John Blair one foot at a time

Jan. 3. Sixty-degree weather, sunny skies and calm waters brought out plenty of spectators to the 45th annual New Year’s Day Barefoot Skiing Tournament at Lake Norman Marina in Sherrill’s Ford.

Participants travelled from as far away as Indiana, Florida and New Jersey to compete, but Jeff Blair of Mooresville once again came out on top.

After a five-year hiatus, he surprised everyone by once again appearing for the tournament. He executed a flying backward deepwater start, backward one foots and back-to-front and multiple tumble-turns. He scored a winning 549 point run.

Blair has competed in the event since 1992, and has won this event more than anyone else.

Junior Division

Logan Harrington

Two young athletes also had impressive performances. Van Jantzen, 14, of Tega Cay, won the Men’s Division with a backward dock start, multiple backward one foots and a long run of 181 seconds, all backwards. Logan Harrington, 9, of Davidson, was the only contestant in the Junior Division, but had the second longest run of the entire tournament at 212 seconds.

An additional 100 points from his flying dock start and tricks gave him a total 312 points for the fourth highest score of the tournament.

Staff and host

Water ski Hall of Famers Rachel Normand judged the event while John Gillette provided commentary on the action.

The tournament is organized by the Carolina Show Ski Team and hosted by Lake Norman Marina.