WaterSki Magazine

How old was Whitney, and who was there, the first time she skied?
He says: I’m sure my dad was pulling her along the beach in the water like he did with me when I was 2ish.
She says: Awwww, yeah!

 

What was the breakthrough moment that catapulted Whitney’s ski career?
He says: I think her whole season leading up to the 2009 Worlds where she won. She had overwhelming focus, drive and determination.
She says: Really it was when I was 11 and Steve Bush, the Canadian team manager, told me that he thought I could make the junior national team if I wanted to.

 

When did Whitney first ski at an international level?
He says: I’m terrible at remembering years and ages from the past … low teens for sure, though – 13 comes to mind.
She says: I was 12.

 

What does Whitney most love about you?
He says: That’s a tough one because there’s so much about me to love. Ha! She knows that I’ll always be honest with her, as blunt or rude or however the truth may sound.
She says: He’s really supportive. We don’t have a rivalry because we don’t compete against each other. He’s a big fan of mine and it is really special.

 

What is the most important thing in Whitney’s life?
He says: There are a few that come to mind, but I have to assume it’s Itsy (her Chihuahua).
She says: My family.

 

WE SAY: Jason clearly adores and supports little sis Whit. But Jason, guy, it’s all in the details!

What does Jason like most about skiing for the Canadian team?
She says: Making my dad proud; living the family legacy.
He says: Our team takes really good care of us. When we have an event outside the country, Steve Bush goes there weeks ahead and sets everything up for us so that when we arrive, things are perfectly smooth. I don’t know what we would do without him.

 

When did Jason get serious about skiing?
She says: In 2001 when we moved to Florida.
He says: I never made a decision to be serious about skiing. It’s always been our family’s way of life.

 

What’s the most outrageous thing Jason has ever done out of frustration over skiing?
She says: He gave his slalom ski to a kid after a pro event in California. I’m sure his gift was greatly appreciated!
He says: Yup. I was at Diablo Shores and I completely blew it. I also gave the kid my bindings, and gave someone else my life jacket and gloves. I went home with an empty ski bag.

 

What annoys Jason most about you (skiing-wise)?
She says: When he’s trying to coach me and I stubbornly don’t listen.
He says: True. She cuts me off while I’m talking to her. She is completely unwilling to listen.

 

What are Jason’s goals for the ski season?
She says: He wants to run 3 at 41, qualify for Masters and medal at Worlds.
He says: What she said. I should be running 39 every time and focusing on 41 every time.

 

WE SAY: Sounds like Whitney has the skinny on her brother. Chalk it up to a woman’s intuition!