WATER-SKIER Dominic Wheldrick is looking for help to become a world-beater.
The 14-year-old, ranked in the top five in the country for his age-group, is hoping to be picked for the British Junior Team competing in the Czech Republic over the summer.
The pupil at Hulme Grammar School in Oldham trains up to eight hours a week perfecting his skills.
Now he is looking for sponsors who will help him realise his dream of eventually turning professional.
Dominic, of Meltham, was introduced to water-skiing six years ago at the same time as his father, Rod.
Dominic's mother Dawn and sister Harriet, 12, also enjoy the sport.
"It's the adrenaline rush," explained the youngster.
He practices in the gym and on a trampoline as well as spending hours on the water at the weekend.
He has finished a winter training in the bone-chilling waters of Hazelwood in Lincolnshire.
Travelling at speeds up to 40mph, the consequences of a fall while attempting a flip can be severe: "It's really painful. You can get broken bones and damaged ligaments."
He is now doing most of his training at Cromwell Bottom Lake near Brighouse.
Dominic one day hopes to turn professional.
But it is an expensive sport with kit costing £600 for a slalom ski and £2,000 for a pair of water-skis.
Anyone who can sponsor the teenager should contact Wheldrick @yahoo.co.uk.
