The 15-year-old from West Pennant Hills placed third in the junior boys tricks and junior boys slalom events.

He placed fifth in the jump event.

He also nabbed

personal best times in all six events.

He was the only waterskier to achieve this at the six-day event, held April 15-20 at Helles Park, Liverpool.

``I am pretty happy with that,'' Alex said.

``It was a great championship, very tough, and there were a lot of good boys competing that had been skiing for a long time.

``I was a bit nervous at the jumps.''

Alex said he was pleased he had improved on his performance last year.

``I got three PBs [personal bests] last year out of four events,'' he said.

This was his third national championship, his second in junior boys.

Before the nationals, The King's School year10 student competed in the state championships.

He placed second.

``Things have been going well,'' Alex said.

``I love skiing.

``Mum used to be a professional waterskier so she has helped me out a lot.

``I enjoy training and I go as often as I can, usually twice during the week.''

Alex described the best thing about the sport as the ``thrill of being on the water''.

``Also, when you have been working so hard and you have

practised the tricks and jumps and you finally get it that's a good feeling,'' he added.

Alex has now started training for a spot on next year's Australian squad.

``I missed out this year, so I hope to make it next year to compete at the World Championships in New Zealand,'' he said.

He has also banked his hopes on a gold medal at the 2009 national

championships.