Peter Roberts' Australian Barefoot Waterski Championships ambitions were crushed on Saturday morning.
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The Glenfyne-based competitor fell during his trick event at the Victorian State Titles at Mulwala's Max Kirwin Ski Park held over the weekend.
He broke six ribs and spent two nights in hospital.
But the experienced skier is staying optimistic despite his tough luck.
He said he'd help with judging and in other roles this week at nationals which started Monday and finish Sunday.
The 59th Australian barefooting championships, also at Mulwala, started on the back of the Victorian titles.
The event will culminate with finals this weekend.
Peter is out of action but his son Thomas, 16, and brother Brett are raring to go.
Roberts, who is Victorian Barefoot Waterski Club (VBWC) president, explained nationals was supposed to be in Perth this year but was instead at Mulwala because of the coronavirus pandemic.
He said accessibility for those based in the country's eastern states came into the decision-making.
He said VBWC was supposed to have the event in 2022 so it would now be hosting two years in a row.
Thomas is skiing in the junior division and competing in jump, tricks and slalom.
Brett is doing the same in the senior division.
Peter was to compete alongside Brett in seniors this week.
Peter said Brett headed home after the Victorian titles and would be back in Mulwala later this week.
Peter explained they had competed in a few events since the coronavirus pandemic hit, including the Pre States Tournament at Mulwala in late February.
"In December last year, Thomas competed in a junior world event and that was a virtual," he said.
"All the skiing was videoed and then judged.
He came 12th overall and that included competitors from places like America and New Zealand.
- Peter Roberts
"He came 12th overall and that included competitors from places like America and New Zealand.
"There was about 20 boys in that."
Peter explained that virtual event was held because the 2020 World Barefoot Waterski Championships - which were meant to be in Sydney last year - were cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Thomas and other Australians competed from Mulwala.
Peter said 76 competitors were involved in nationals this week.
He said numbers were down from the usual 100-110 participants because of the pandemic.
The night jump on Friday is considered one of the drawcards of the event.
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