WELLINGTON is mourning the loss of world champion water skier Sarah Teelow, who passed away around 8pm on Monday night following a crash 5km into the Bridge to Bridge Classic race on the Hawkesbury River on Sunday morning.
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There has been an outpouring of grief in the community, with Facebook overwhelmed with comments from friends and family.
She was described as "a champion on and off the water" by Karen Brooks, while Dale Ashton echoed the thoughts of many in the community when he spoke of her kind nature: "I'm lost for words, such a kind-hearted person taken so early".
Many remembered Sarah learning to ski on Burrendong Dam like her mother Tania Teelow, a two-time world champion.
In September, it was Sarah who took the world by storm when she was crowned the Formula 2 World Water Skiing champion in Spain at just 20 years old.
"That's when she really put her stamp on the F2," family friend Paul Miller said.
Thinking of the international ski racing family dealing with the passing of Sarah Teelow. Such a tragic and sad accident.
— Mark Beretta (@MarkBeretta) November 25, 2013Showing talent from a young age, Sarah had already represented Australia in the junior team in Belgium back in 2009.
Her mother Tania had also been selected to represent the Australian team as a reserve.
"I don't think that has ever happened before, having both mother and daughter on the same team," Mr Miller said.
Mayor of Wellington Rod Buhr said, like many, he remembered Sarah as a lovely, bubbly person.
Thoughts with the Teelow family, heaven gained another water ski racing champion❤️
— daisy✨ (@DaisyLeighSlade) November 25, 2013"She was very well liked and well regarded in the community. She was a great ambassador not just for Wellington but for all young people - a whole generation in Australia," he said.
"It is always very tragic for a young person to be taken from us so early and the fact that she achieved so much in a relatively short time is doubly tragic, not just for herself, but for the country."
Sarah was educated at St Mary's Catholic School in Wellington and finished her schooling at St John's College, Dubbo.
Beautiful Sarah Teelow A champion on & off the water Totally devastating tragedy. We miss you Sarah your lovely... http://t.co/rL7xYeMnQi
— Karen Brooks (@KarenBrooks370) November 25, 2013Councillor Buhr said that the whole town had felt the loss.
"Certainly once the family has returned home we will be wanting to help any way we can in terms of a memorial service or a permanent memorial."
"The family has lived here for generations and there is a huge number of family and friends who will be affected."
R.I.P. Sarah Teelow!! Wish I could talk to you again... You'll stay in my mind..
— Phillipp S (@Schirmi195) November 25, 2013Family friend Rick Gratton passed on his thoughts and condolences to the Teelow family.
"She was a great lady and ambassador to Wellington as well as a brilliant skier," he said.
"It hit us pretty hard to even see it on TV, our thoughts and condolences are with the family."
