A Swindon water skier took home gold in the slalom during the Europe & Africa Over-35s Waterski Championships in France.

Chantal Clements, 63, was one of 12 gold medallists from Great Britain, who also took home a Team Silver, from the championships which took place at Club Omnisport de Jaumard, Le Plan d’Eau near Bordeaux between Wednesday 13th and Sunday 17th September.

Clements has won four British titles and now wins the European title for the second time, previously taking home gold in 2016, only 16 years after taking up the sport.

She said: “I started skiing seriously when I was 47 years old. I have done a lot of different sports in my life as I strongly believe sport is a great remedy for wellbeing.

“People seem to be very interested and amazed to know I am competing at a high level in waterskiing at such a late stage of my life."

Swindon Advertiser: The GB squad at the championships.The GB squad at the championships. (Image: BWSW)

Despite her age though, Chantal is not slowing down any time soon and is keen to keep waterskiing and building her career.

“I will continue waterskiing as long as my body allows me to do so. I have friends who are skiing in their late 70s!" she said.

“No matter what type, sports keeps you young, strong and mentally happy. When it is cold or windy which it often is in the UK, sometimes I don’t always feel like getting into the water.

“But it’s a mental challenge and when I finish my set, I feel so energised and ready to carry on my day with a smile.”

The 63-year-old reclaimed her slalom title from 2016, and revealed that getting into water skiing in Swindon is not as difficult as you would first imagine.

“Contrary to what people think, there are quite a few places to waterski around Swindon. I am a member of Cirencester Waterski club, which is a private members club, but there is always availability for new members," Chantal told The Adver.

“I love the speed, the precise technique, the strength and the constant challenge that a slalom offers. To complete a pass you need to go through what we call a gate, go around six buoys and through an exit gate.

“You are always facing failure because you are against a very powerful boat which always wins. It is a mental sport as well as a very physical one.”