Julia Rick, a powerhouse in the world of Cable Wakeboarding, is gearing up for an exciting challenge: The World Games 2025 in Chengdu. This event marks only the second time wakeboarding will be featured, the first being in 2005. Rick's enthusiasm for this rare opportunity is palpable.
"It feels amazing and very special because the last time (and only time) Cable Wakeboarding was part of The World Games was 2005! Now it’s finally back, and I will be taking part!" Rick exclaimed.
Her excitement is rooted in both the historical significance and the personal achievement of securing her spot in such a prestigious event.
Road to Chengdu 2025: Her journey to qualification
Securing a place in The World Games was no small feat. Rick recalls the moment she found out she had qualified: "It was at the same time when I found out that I defended my title and became European Champion. I immediately realised that I had qualified for The World Games, and I was super stoked and happy because it was one of my biggest goals!"
The qualification process was intense, filled with personal challenges. "I think the biggest challenge was just the pressure I was putting on myself! I wanted to secure my spot as early as possible, and the first opportunity was winning the European Championships in Whitemills (GBR from 27-30 June). I’m glad that I succeeded in taking this opportunity," the 31 years old shared.
As a nine-time European champion, Rick plans to leverage her extensive experience and astonishing talent to make a significant impact at The World Games.
"I think it will be a great experience to participate in such a big event! It will also be my first time to compete in an event together with athletes from so many different sports! I am hoping it will be very well organised and professional, comparable with The Olympic Games," she said.
Her aspirations are clear and ambitious: "My goal is to win the gold medal in The World Games Chengdu in 2025!"
Mental and physical preparation
Rick's training regimen is rigorous and well-rounded, focusing on both on-water and off-water activities.
"I think my training will not be very different from my usual routine—lots of training on, but also off the water! However, as soon as I have some details about the actual course (the cable park is still under construction), I will try to practice as specifically as possible to prepare myself in the best possible way," she explained.
Rick is not only excited about the competition but also about the cultural experience Chengdu has to offer. "I love to explore new cultures and cities! I also love to be out there in nature! I definitely would like to see Chengdu’s beautiful scenery and maybe watch some pandas in their natural habitat.”.
Competing at a high level requires mental fortitude as much as physical prowess. Rick shared her strategies for maintaining peak performance: "I am always very nervous during competitions! What helps me is keeping my routines before and during competitions to stay relatively calm. On the water, during the competition, I’m mentally in my zone and fully focused. That’s also how I train—when I’m on the water, I’m fully focused on my training and my riding, this transfers to competitions."
Future competitions and beyond
Before The World Games next year, Rick has other significant competitions lined up. "In the beginning of August 2024, I will be competing at Munich MASH—one of the biggest action sports events—in the Munich Olympic park! It’s a very special event because it is right in the city and in front of thousands of people! I will also be competing at the IWWF World Championships in Paris, France, in September 2024 to defend my World Champion title!"
Looking ahead, Rick hopes to continue pushing the sport forward and dreams of wakeboarding becoming an Olympic discipline. "I just want to keep pushing the sport! Furthermore, I want to give something back to the sport with my coaching—online and also in person! It’s amazing when someone comes to me and says 'thank you for your awesome (tutorial) videos—you have helped me a lot!' Just the best feeling! Maybe Wakeboarding will become an Olympic discipline one day, and I will be able to take part—whether as an athlete or coach!"
Rick’s advice to aspiring wakeboarders is simple yet profound: "Learn the basics and have fun on the water! Also, try something new every time you go on the water to speed up your progression! Ride with friends and push each other! Enjoy the process!"
With her eyes set on gold and her spirit unwavering, Rick is not only preparing to compete but also to inspire the next generation of wakeboarders. The World Games 2025 in Chengdu from 7-17 August 2025 promises to be an exciting chapter in her illustrious career.
The International World Games Association (IWGA) is a non-profit-making international sports organisation recognised and supported by the International Olympic Committee. The IWGA comprises 40 International Member Sports Federations. It administers and promotes The World Games (TWG), a multi-sport event held every four years that features around 35 sports on its programme. The next edition of TWG will be in Chengdu (CHN) from 7-17 August 2025. 5,000 participants from more than 100 countries are expected to take part in this 12th edition. The latest Games were hosted by Birmingham, Alabama (USA).
For more information, please contact the IWGA Media and Communication team: [email protected], Tel: +41 21 311 12 97, or visit our website.
