Many people would like to escape the Salzburg weather and train in summer conditions in Florida. For Leona Berner, this has been reality for the past two weeks. The water ski ace is fighting for a really big highlight.
Leona Berner spent two weeks in the water skiing mecca of Florida. Together with the elite of the sport, the Strobler trained in the best conditions for her big goal: the US Masters. She was the only European in her age group to qualify for the competition, which is considered the most prestigious competition in water skiing. The 17-year-old can consider herself very lucky financially. “Due to my previous successes, the Austrian Water Ski Association supports me as much as possible,” says Berner, happy to have this opportunity. She trained with her trainer Franz Oberleitner three to four times a day for around 30 minutes. That wasn’t possible at home in the winter, but another big hobby took priority: “Typically Austrian, of course on frozen water – I love skiing in the winter.” The recently 17-year-old is starting her sport for the first time this year in the U21, where she I was able to get a taste of it last year. Because of the school, it was difficult to stay longer in the water skiing paradise. But the next trip to the USA is already waiting.
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