Alumni Spotlight: Freddie Winter | Waterskiing World Champion
We are delighted to celebrate the remarkable achievement of Freddie Winter (Northcote Lodge 1998–2003), who has once again made waves in the waterskiing world by winning the 2025 US Slalom Waterski Masters — one of the sport’s most prestigious major events. This marks his third majors win and is all the more extraordinary given the adversity he has overcome.
Just eleven months ago, Freddie suffered a serious accident while training in France, breaking his femur and requiring emergency surgery. At the time, there were doubts he would ever return to competitive waterskiing. But in true Freddie fashion, he defied expectations, returning to the water five months ahead of schedule and now reclaiming his place at the very top of the sport.
Although his right leg remains 14 degrees out of alignment, Freddie describes it as a “new challenge and new focus” — an inspiring outlook that reflects the resilience he’s shown throughout his career.
Freddie’s waterskiing talent was already apparent during his time at Broomwood (formerly Northcote Lodge). He began competing in slalom tournaments at just 10 years old and went on to win the U21 British Nationals aged only 11.
His talents weren’t limited to sport, either. Freddie was also joint head chorister, and his father fondly recalls the nerves (and pride!) as Freddie led the solo in Once in Royal David’s City at the school carol service — a moment that, much like his waterskiing career, ended being a great experience and success.
After his time at Broomwood (NL), Freddie continued his journey at Charterhouse, and today he continues to inspire both on and off the water. You can follow his adventures on Instagram at @thefredwinter.
📸 Photo credit: Johnny Hayward
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Freddie – pictured in our 2003 Leavers Yearbook:
