Shepparton's Layne Moroney carves it up at the the IWWF University World Championships.
Photo by
Joshua Devenie
She’s been carving up and making waves for years, but this most recent season might be Layne Moroney’s best.
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The Shepparton waterskiing star has broken new ground in the past few months, with her achievements pairing continental dominance with podium success on the world stage.
And she’s not done yet.
Off the back of a stellar season, Moroney has been selected for the Australian squad contesting the upcoming IWWF World Waterski Championships in Italy from August 27-31.
It’s a proud moment for Moroney and her family, with mum Gaye especially rapt with the latest feather in her daughter’s heavily festooned cap.
“It’s possibly her best ever (season), especially internationally ... she’s had a really good season,” she said.
“And getting selected for the world champs, it’s essentially the Olympics for waterskiing.
“It’s based on your performances over the season and Layne’s have been very consistent and solid.
“She’s handled pressure situations — I suppose the selectors would look at that.”
Shepparton's Layne Moroney shows off some impressive balance on the water.
Photo by
Joshua Devenie
Moroney started the year in white-hot fashion, slicing up the slalom event to win gold at the Australian Masters in January, while also securing the overall title for Open women.
Then came the big one.
On the global front, Moroney secured a bronze medal in the tricks event at the 2025 IWWF University World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand from February 26-March 2.
Facing stiff competition — including Malaysia’s Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah, who swept gold — Moroney’s 5,050-point final earned her a spot on the podium in the discipline.
Moroney’s success across the Tasman flowed into the IWWF Oceania Water Ski Championships at Lake Karapiro, where she was bestowed the honour of captaining Australia’s Open side.
In slalom, she finished atop the rankings with a perfect 1000-point score, while again topping the podium in tricks with a clean 4,900-point performance, matching first-place overall status and sealing her dual titles.
Her combined efforts were enough to secure second overall in the Open women’s category — and she didn’t have to look far for someone to celebrate with.
Joel O’Toole and Layne Moroney competed at the IWWF Oceania Water Ski Championships in New Zealand.
Photo by
Megan Fisher
Moroney’s partner, Joel O’Toole, also claimed second in the overall Open men’s standings, with their seasons reflecting a blend of precision, polish and practice.
And in the latter’s case, plenty of it, too.
The pair travels to Mulwala’s Max Kirwan Waterski Park five times a week to hit the water, racking up the kilometres and strapping the bindings in pursuit of its passion.
And with Moroney punching her ticket to Italy with the national team, it’s safe to say her sacrifice has paid off.
