Led by SEA Games gold medallist jet ski racer Sali Umet, the Cambodian jet ski team claimed four gold, four silver and one bronze medal at round three of the WGP#1 World Series 2023 in Lake Havscu City in the US state of Arizona.
Umet called the result a breakthrough performance for the Kingdom’s jet skiers, noting that the number of elite Cambodian athletes in the sport has increased. Previously, only Umet and Min Mustan had taken medals in US competitions.
“Our riders have won four gold, four silvers and one bronze. These victories have set a new record, and turned another page for Cambodia,” he said.
“I am very proud to lead a team from Cambodia to compete at this world-class event. Our riders have clinched their biggest victory ever. These wins were not just for me and our riders, but for our nation,” he added.
Umet won one gold in the amateur runabout 1100 open class, while his young brother Sali Philin earned two gold medals in the amateur runabout 1100 stock and amateur runabout 1100 limited, along with the silvers and a bronze.
Kai Vansiden grabbed one gold, while Min Osman took silver in the sitting ski event for the first time. Veteran racer Min Mustan earned another silver medal.
In addition, the Cambodian team secured fourth, fifth and sixth place finishes. The tournament featured racers from 30 countries.
“We took first place among the 30 countries participating in the series. This was our biggest victory, with each class claiming trophies. This was my fourth medal in the US,” said Umet.
Umet was proud of his brother Filin for bringing home two gold, two silver and one bronze. Even though Filin was competing on a new jet ski that has not yet been tuned, he was able to stay with his opponents and then execute a last-minute overtaking manoeuvre to grab the gold. His victory took his fellow competitors by surprise.
Umet described Filin as a resourceful racer.
“As both the leader of the team and his brother, I was thrilled beyond compare with his victory – in fact, I was moved to tears. Vansiden also won gold. It is fair to say that team Cambodia’s performances stunned the jet ski world,” he said.
During the Water Jet World Series 2023, held from July 27-30 in France, Philin claimed two gold, one silver and one bronze. The results made Filin hopeful for a golden performance at the finals of the series, scheduled from December 13 to 17 in Thailand.
