Merritt Finishes Second at Pro Wakeboard Stop in Ft. Worth

ORLANDO, FL [June 15, 2010]—17-year-old Raimi Merritt took second place in the Pro Wakeboard Tour stop in Fort Worth, Texas this past weekend.

Leading up to the event, Merritt had been working on rails and riding well, but a poor run in the semi-finals nearly cost her the chance to advance to the finals. Fellow competitor Dallas Friday injured her knee upon landing the final trick of her run in the semi-finals and had to be taken to a local hospital. Five women advanced to the finals, while Friday was forced her to sit out due to the injury.

For Merritt, it was a chance to prove her skills on the rails and behind the boat. She pulled off her signature s-bend, a tootsie, a scarecrow, a 911, and a wrapped KGB among others, landing the second spot on the podium.

Merritt is a three-time IWSF World Cup Champion, winning gold in China in 2009 and in Egypt and Qatar in 2008. She is currently in second place in the Queen of Wake point standings. She’ll compete next for the National Championship title at the WWA Nationals in July in Reno, Nevada.

Merritt grew up in Lantana, Florida and now lives and trains in Orlando. She is sponsored by Hyperlite, MonaVie, and R3Global. For more information about Merritt, visit: www.raimimerritt.com.