Gabi Viljoen

Age: 19

Where I'm from: Cape Town, South Africa

Where I live: Half of the year on our farm in Piketberg, near the West Coast of South Africa from September to May, and the rest of the year in Florida, USA. (A year long summer!)

Education: Finished high school in November '10 in South Africa, plan on studying International Business and (possibly) Psychology in Florida starting 2012.

Sports Interests: Waterskiing, equestrian and cross training in the gym.

How I got into waterskiing: I began skiing at age 5 through my dad who is an avid skier. It began more as a social weekend event, until I found a slalom course! At age 8 I competed in my first competition, and two years later I was part of the South African team heading to Europe for the EAME (Europe, Africa, Middle East) Championships.

Favorite spots to ski: Our lake on our farm in Piketberg, SA; Okeeheelee Ski Park in West Palm Beach, Florida and Ty Oppenlander's home lake in Lawton, Michigan.

What I do when I'm not in the water: I am a huge animal enthusiast, so I frequently volunteer at rescue centers, spend time with my own animals or stay busy training my two horses. I spend a lot of time training both on and off the water, so, when I get the chance I love to go out with my friends.

Inspiration: A good friend and fellow skier from Australia, Jacinta Carroll. At 18 she has won numerous pro events in her rookie year as an Open jumper --- and she's just getting started! A household name, Michael Jordan, is another inspiring athlete.

My favorite G4S clothing: Sports Tank and SupraDry Sports Bottom.

Achievements summary:

• 10 time South African Slalom Champion (through age divisions U12, U14, U17 and Open)
  
• SA Slalom record-holder in U12, U14, U17 and Open.
  
• South African Team member since 2004
  
• First SA female to run the 12m/35off line
  
• Bronze, Gold, Silver at the Jnr Moomba Masters (Australia) in 2008, 2009, 2010.
  
• 4th and 2nd at Jnr MASTERS (Georgia, USA) 2009, 2010.
  

Favorite quote: "Obstacles don't have to stop you. If you run into a wall, don't turn around and give up. Figure out how to climb it, go through it, or work around it." - Michael Jordan.

Everyone hits a 'flat spot' in their training, getting out of it and improving again lies not in your ability, but in your mind.