JASON SEELS, the 22-year-old British Water-skiing champion from Locks Heath, has just broken his own national jump and trick records - as well as setting an unofficial ski-flying record.

Competing at Paddington, he added 70cm to his jump record, taking it to 63 metres, and furthered his trick record by 300 points to a massive 9330.

The young daredevil's career has taken a boost recently having been given a National Lottery world class performance plan grant that has allowed him to turn full-time and Jason felt that the improvements in his performance were directly related.

In the ski-flying competition, a new event which is why his record is unoffi-cial, he left the water for a staggering 77.1m to set his own personal best.

The event uses a non-stretch rope 25 feet longer than the standard size with a bigger boat travelling at 45mph rather than 35.

And these adjustments mean that Seels hits the bottom of the ramp at around 72mph.

As a result, the sport is not without its dangers and, before setting his record he had a crash in training which left him needing 12 stitches in his chin.

Showing such impressive form, Seels is forcing his way into the top five water skiers in the world and he's already been across most of Europe, the United States and Australia to compete.

With most of the world class contenders already in their mid to late 20's the future looks bright for the young British champion, particularly with the Olympic Federation considering the sport's inclusion in future games.

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