From battling to get up on her skis in crocodile infested waters to standing on the podium at the World Waterski Championships, Mel Collins has lived a sporting story built on grit, persistence and a love for the water.
The Moura local is now one of Australia’s most accomplished competitors in the Over 55 Women’s division, a double world silver medallist, record breaker across Queensland, Australia and Oceania, and the reigning Banana Shire Sportsperson of the Year.
Her journey began in Cairns while visiting a friend one weekend.
“My friend and all their friends skied in the inlet in Cairns. I could not get up for about 50 attempts but when I eventually got up it was the best.
“I was definitely not a natural and struggled with deep water starts as my arms were too weak for my big body, though I had a feeling it would be worth it in the end.”
At the time Mel was living in Ingham, where waterskiing was the thing to do on weekends. For her 21st birthday her friends and their families all pitched in to buy her a single ski.
Determined to improve, she booked a two week stint at a waterski school at Somerset Dam.
“I could not lift my cup of coffee on the second day as my arms were so weak, but what I saw and experienced was surreal. Everyone who skied there were professional show and tournament skiers from Expo 88 and SeaWorld skiers, and I was hooked.”
After moving to Dunk Island to work as a hairdresser, Mel continued skiing and met plenty of likeminded skiiers.
“It is fair to say I have definitely skied in croc and stinger infested waters. Skiing is all about fun and families no matter where you are in the world and it is not something you can do on your own like other sports, so you need ski buddies.”
From Dunk Island she moved to Mission Beach where she skied on and off for fun, eventually selling her gear to buy her first block of land. But at 40 she realised how much she missed it.
“I did my research and flew to Brisbane to enter my first competition, where I met my now partner and coach, Shorty, and as they say the rest is history.”
Moving to Moura was a turning point.
“Shorty has worked in the mines all his life and grew up here in Moura with the Dawson River, so he had skied here all his life. It is the most beautiful river to ski on, surrounded by gum trees, birds and kangaroos.”
Her proudest moments are many, including being the oldest female to qualify for Open Slalom invitational at Moomba in Melbourne, which she calls “the greatest tournament in the world”.
That appearance was cancelled due to COVID, but her greatest achievement came last year when both her and Shorty were selected in the Australian team to compete at the Over 35 World Waterski Championships in Spain.
“There is something indescribable about wearing the green and gold, and I was so proud that we both got to experience this incredible journey together.”
Mel competed in slalom, trick and jump, and made finals in both jump and slalom. Though she did not make finals in trick, she stood up both her runs and placed fourth in jump, won silver in slalom and finished fifth overall. Her record breaking performances on the world stage, some dating back to 2002, helped Australia secure second place out of 27 countries, and she even got to celebrate her 56th birthday doing so.
Those achievements also saw her named CQ Skier of the Year and featured on the cover of Focus magazine.
Challenges come in many forms, from injuries to river droughts or floods that mean travelling up to seven hours to get on the water. The nearest jump ramp is in Helidon, so she often only practises the day before a competition. Even so, Mel and Shorty remain committed to growing the sport, running clinics, ladies’ days and competitions across Central Queensland. Soon they will host their first event at Barcaldine.
The Moura and Baralaba communities have been strong supporters, helping collect Containers for Change for her next trip to Canada for the Over 35 Worlds.
“There’s virtually no funding for mature athletes, even if you’re ranked in the top ten in the world, so any sponsorship or donations of cans and bottles to help me get to Canada would mean more than I can put into words.
“I’m also incredibly fortunate to have an awesome boss who is completely flexible and understanding when it comes to training and competitions.
“My goals are to continue to dominate in my age group, break more records and be the best competitor and role model I can be on and off the water. And as Shorty would say, just listen to me babe, you got this.”
