Former Bundalong resident Fred Douglas competing in Calgary, Canada.
Age is no barrier to becoming a world champion, just ask former Bundalong resident Fred Douglas.
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In his 70s, and just 11 years after taking up competitive water skiing, the Australian veteran has proved you are never too old to chase an ambitious goal, winning the Over-75 Men’s Slalom World Championship in Calgary, Canada.
Douglas claimed gold at the International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation (IWWF) World Over-35 Waterski Championships, held from July 21–27, where more than 250 competitors from 20 countries competed across slalom, trick and jump events.
It is a remarkable achievement for a man whose sporting philosophy could hardly be more fitting: you’re never too old to challenge yourself, set new goals and achieve them.
Regarded as the pinnacle of international competition for masters water skiers, the championships proved highly successful for Australia.
The 18-member Australian team returned home with seven medals, four gold, one silver and two bronze, and finished an impressive third overall in the Teams event, behind the USA and Canada.
For Douglas, the championships delivered the ultimate individual prize.
Under the pressure of world championship competition, he produced a composed and technically accomplished performance, completing passes at 18 metres, 16 metres and 14 metres.
His consistency and precision secured the gold medal against a strong international field in his age category. His performance also established a new Queensland State Record.
Douglas' achievement over his short competitive career includes winning multiple Australian Championships and representing his country internationally since making his debut for Australia at the 2018 championships in Chile.
He went on to compete in Bordeaux, France, in 2022, following the cancellation of the 2020 championships due to COVID, and represented Australia again in Spain in 2024.
Today, Douglas is also giving back to the sport as President of the Queensland Waterskiing and Wakeboard Federation.
His success at the highest level demonstrates that elite sporting achievement does not have to be confined to youth, with discipline, fitness and a lasting passion for competition continuing to drive him.
Fred Douglas celebrates after winning the Over-75 Men’s Slalom title at the IWWF World Over-35 Waterski Championships in Calgary, Canada.
Three years ago, Douglas relocated from Victoria to Queensland's Sunshine Coast, swapping cold Victorian winters for warmer conditions that allow him to train more consistently.
He now skis at Oz Ski Resort at Coolum, where he is coached by internationally renowned water skier and Hall of Fame inductee Emma Sheers and her husband, Rick Habermann.
The world title has arrived at a fitting moment in Douglas' life.
He recently authored a new book, You’re Never Too Old, chronicling his adventures as an extreme hiking enthusiast and exploring the mindset, resilience and determination needed to continue challenging himself well into his 70s.
His World Championship victory now provides a compelling real-life demonstration of the book's central message.
Speaking after the event, Douglas said the gold medal was the culmination of years of preparation.
“It’s a reminder that age should never be viewed as a barrier to setting ambitious goals,” Douglas said.
“I trust my message will resonate far beyond the water skiing community, offering inspiration to people of all ages who continue to pursue excellence in sport, fitness and life.”
For Fred Douglas, becoming a world champion in his 70s sends a simple and powerful message: ‘you’re never too old to chase a goal’.
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