Rouse Hill’s waterskiing ace Blake Tickell dies in accident
Australian junior waterskiing champion Blake Tickell was killed in a racing accident at Cowra on Sunday, leaving behind a shattered family and school community.
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FOR Blake Tickell, water skiing was his whole life.
All his energy and time was devoted to it ever since he was introduced to the sport by his dad Darren in 2013.
Within four years, Blake was crowned Australian under-13 champion having taken out the 2016 and 2017 NSW titles in the same age group.
Last month, the 13-year-old took home the 2017 Rouse Hill Times Junior Sports Star Award, which he richly deserved but never expected.
When his name was announced as the winner, Blake just beamed around the whole table while his hugged him in delight.
On Sunday, the 13-year-old Rouse Hill teenager died while trying for another title, this time at Cowra, where he suffered critical injuries during Saturday’s races.
Blake was recovered from the water unconscious and was attended to by paramedics before being flown to The Children’s Hospital at Westmead, a NSW Police spokeswoman said.
Blake died at 5.40pm on Sunday.
Blake leaves behind father Darren, mum Simone and younger brother Cody.
Blake, who was in Year 8 at Marian Catholic College at Kenthurst, touched speeds of 90kph during his races.
He is the second fatality in racing this year, according to Ski Racing Australia.
His father Darren posted an emotional tribute to his son on his Facebook page, saying he died doing what he loved.
“In memory of my son, my best mate.
“Love you for eternity Blakey.
“He died doing what he was so passionate about.
“Blakey was wise beyond his years, an old soul, had love for everybody, and will be forever in our hearts.”
His mother Simone works as a clinical nurse specialist at Westmead Hospital.
Blake was so ecstatic when he was announced as the winner of the Local Sports Sports Stars, telling me he could not believe he had won.
All he could say was: “Wow, I don’t know what to say.”
But he deserved all the accolades, and though he was young in years, he knew the risks, saying his parents were worried that he was thinking of taking part in the 112km Bridge to Bridge Classic, one of the longest races in the southern hemisphere.
“One day I like to do the Bridge to Bridge Waterski Classic where speeds can go up to 112kph,” Blake told me a few months ago.
“This does scare my parents though.”
Blake’s ambition was to qualify for the 2019 world junior water skiing championships and this year he worked harder on his physical fitness, a fact he said has helped him win the big races. Marian Catholic College, Kenthurst, is offering support to his classmates, with Sue Walsh, relieving Executive Director Catholic Education Diocese of Parramatta, saying “Blake was a wonderful young man who was loved by his family and friends”.
“This morning, teachers spoke with all the students and particularly those in Year 8,” she said. “They prayed together and are consoling each other.
“Teachers will continue to monitor and support the students during this very challenging time. “Many of the students are taking the opportunity to write messages of support to the family. “The Kenthurst community is a very close one.
“I know that they will be walking with the Tickell family in the weeks and months ahead as they try to come to terms with their loss.”
Ski Racing Australia chairman Russell Lewis, offering his condolences to the family, said the “incident has saddened the sport.” “SRA will provide all possible support to those involved,” he said.