Staffordshire teenager becomes first woman in decade to win national boating competition
She is just 13-years-old but Kamila Czartolomna has become the first female in 10 years to win a national boating competition - winning her club a £16,000 boat in the process.
The teenager was the fastest in a series of speed boat heats in Southampton, showing off her skills along a slalom course.
She was crowned national champion when she claimed Honda RYA Youth RIB Championship victory at the Southampton Boat Show.
This was the third successive year that South Staffordshire Sailing Club's Kamila qualified for the national grand final, going head to head against the 13 other regional champions, but the first time in the older 13-16 years age-group having previously competed at 8-12 years level.
The boat was presented by Staffordshire High Sheriff Ann Fisher.
Kamila, of Perton, said: "The water was much calmer than it was last year and the year before.
"I was hoping to win because I came second last year and I've been down at the club practicing almost every weekend so it feels great. I love the fact that this competition gives you something that you wouldn't normally get to do."
She was not the only member of the Czartolomna family in action in Southampton - her nine-year-old sister Aga made her national final debut, having only taken her event bow in the 8-12 age-group this summer and finishing 11th overall.
Martin Warburton, the Penkridge based sailing club's commodore, added: "Training our youngsters in the use of powerboats has been a long-term aspiration and focus, and one which our dedicated team of junior instructors gladly put their time towards. Many youngsters at the club have greatly enjoyed taking part in the Championship and because of this prize we will be able to continue this.
"Kamila has worked extremely hard to develop her skills, gradually honing those over the last few years to achieve the outstanding competition performance she did in September. She has also demonstrated how success on the water provides additional confidence that will be with her for the rest of her life.
"Indirect investment in the club in ways such as this ensure we can continue to balance the club expenditure and keep costs to an affordable level, enabling us to encourage more people within our community to take up the sport, and participate in training courses run at the club."
The youngsters compete in time trials around sets of marks with the driver with the fastest time in each age-group - 8-12 years and 13-16 years - crowned national champion.
