WOW Neilly

Spotlighting women who embody positive energy, strength, and spirit. Meet Neilly Ross, one of the most accomplished water skiers of her generation, and a Left On Friday ambassador.

Neilly has won title after title after title, and beat quite a few World Records... including one she already held.

“I started waterskiing before I can even remember!” says world champion Neilly Ross. “I grew up at my family ski school in Orlando, Florida, and every day of my life has been spent at the lake.” Ross’s father is Drew Ross, who spent more than two decades competing internationally for Team Canada and now runs Winter Garden Water Ski—so it’s no wonder that his daughter followed suit. “It was only natural,” she admits. “My parents couldn't get me off the water!”

When did you know you were pretty good at this?

When I was 12, I got a call from the Team Canada Water Ski Coach that I was needed to compete in Santiago, Chile in just a week at the World Championships. Up to that point, I‘d only competed in junior competitions. My dad and I hopped on a plane and I got to ski with and against my heroes.

How'd you do?

To my surprise, I became the youngest skier to ever make the finals at a World Championships. I decided that I wanted to pursue skiing with absolutely all of my energy, and to one day be the best. Breaking the world record has been the culmination of my entire life's work. It's hard to describe the sense of reward, but records are made to be broken, and I know I have plenty of work lying ahead.

Casual. What do you love about your sport?

Water skiing is nothing short of thrilling. In slalom, the boat runs at a constant 34.2mph, and my speed crash course is over 60mph. It's aggressive, fluid and extremely technical. Trick skiing consists of trying to get as many points as possible within two 22nd passes, and involves flips, spins, jumping over the rope, and tricks performed. Holding the rope with your foot.

When I wear my Left on Friday pieces, whether it's a swimsuit to the beach or my playsuits in rehearsal or the sweats to chill out after a long day, I feel powerful. There's a good mix between power and vulnerability that comes with wearing these pieces. They accentuate the body and I love the way they make me feel: athletic and strong, but like I could do a beautiful show at the same time. There's no set way you have to be while you're wearing Left on Friday.

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