Blast

Anya Colley

Overhearing two individuals excitedly discuss a 650cc Kawasaki or drool over the latest Yamaha model, you could be forgiven for thinking that this was a conversation about motorcycles.

But for Derbyshire’s Anya Colley, those words refer to something very different: Jet-skis.

The sixteen-year-old from Erewash is a world champion in the sport of jet-ski racing, racking up five world titles and a European Ladies championship, amongst others.

“I started when I was five years old,” Anya explained.

“My parents have always done it, they did it from since before I was born, so then I did it and I just really loved it.

“But it’s a very different feeling going from just leisure skiing to a race.”

The general format of competition involves speeding around a track marked out by a series of buoys, with a motor-cross style equal start.

The sport has taken Anya all around Europe, and as far afield as the United States, Morocco, and Thailand.

What is most notable about Anya’s world titles however is the fact that the contests are mixed-gender, meaning she beat out not only the world’s top women, but the leading male competitors too.

“I prefer racing against the men,” Anya said.

“When I started in juniors it was against the men. I love racing with them and I’d prefer to do it all the time.”

And even though, as Anya admits, the men are more physical, jet-ski racing is by no means as dangerous as many perceive it to be.

“Sometimes there is [physical contact]. But you don’t get many injuries from it,” explained Anya.

“It is quite safe, but some people get little rubs and bangs.

“It is very competitive.”

Parked on the drive-way of Colley’s Derbyshire home, which she shares with her parents, is a huge camper van that doubles as both a hotel and a workshop when ‘Team Anya’ is on the road.

It can be called home for as long as six weeks in some instances, though what is most striking about the vehicle is the huge picture of Anya herself which adorns the side of it.

“That was my Mum and Dad’s idea!” Anya insists.

“I’m not too keen on that!”

Despite all her success however, jet-ski racing won’t be able to sustain Anya or turn into a long-term career for her, particularly with the current economic climate and the still-low profile on the sport.

But this world champion remains positive about the future.

“It’s a hard time with money,” said Anya.

“I’d just love to keep on racing.”

And as long as she keeps on racing, it’s more than likely that she’ll keep on winning.