Published January 21, 2016
Monroe, La. — Winning a World title in anything is a pretty spectacular feat.
But that’s exactly what one University of Louisiana Monroe alumnus has done.
Adam Sedlmajer (ULM 13’), a native of the Czech Republic, won the 2015 Waterski World
Championship, which took place on Nov. 16–22, 2015 in Chapala, Mexico. He was one
of hundreds of athletes from thirty countries who participated in the professional
tournament, which is held every two years.
To win the World Championship title, an athlete must score the most combined points
out of three separate competitions: tricks, slalom, and jump. Sedlmajer made finals
in all three individual events, something that has not happened in over a decade.
In the tricks competition, Sedlmajer scored 11,050 points, his personal best, which
won him the silver medal for the single event.
Sedlmajer, who has earned the nickname “Sledgehammer,” came to ULM in 2006 from the
Czech Republic and was a member of the ULM Water Ski team for four years. He graduated
with a bachelor’s degree in marketing and a graduate degree in business administration.
While at ULM, Sedlmajer won five national collegiate championships. He claims that
his collegiate experiences shaped his vision and drive for the success he has achieved.
“During my time at ULM, the ski team was packed with people who are now on top of
our sport and I am very proud that I got to be a part of that group,” said Sedlmajer.
“I learned from my coaches and team mates that, if you truly want to excel, you have
to put in extra time both on and off the water. I will always be indebted to my ULM
family for these invaluable lessons.”
Since graduating from ULM, he has gone on to win two world titles, five European titles,
one pro title, and many second and third place finishes.
In 2013, Sedlmajer struggled with injuries and ultimately underwent a knee surgery
to repair his meniscus. After two months of recovery, he entered the 2013 World Championships
and won 4th Overall.
In 2014, he won third place in the slalom competition in both the Australian Open
and the European Open, although an ankle injury he sustained during a practice session
prevented him from competing in the Overall pro tournament for that year.
But 2015 marked the beginning of a new era for Sedlmajer. “The year 2015 was one of
the best ones for me yet,” he exclaimed. “I started to focus all my energy towards
this year’s one and only goal: to win overall at the World Championship.”
“Luckily, all my hard work paid off!”
Sedlmajer has received numerous national and international awards, accolades, and
recognitions. In 2014, GoPro, Inc. featured Sedlmajer in a promotional YouTube video
that was posted across various social media platforms. “I am super excited that my
video from earlier this year got edited and published by GoPro on their YouTube channel,”
he wrote in a blog post on his website.
The 2015 World Champion plans to ski as long as he is able, but he has other aspirations
as well.
“My goal is to ski as long as I can, but I definitely am keeping my options open,”
Sedlmajer expressed. “Currently, I am starting to work a part-time sales position
in order to gain some work experience outside of professional skiing.”
Sedlmajer lives in Orlando, Florida with his fiancée, Alex Lauretano, a pro skier
whom he began dating while a student at ULM. He sees his engagement as a major life
accomplishment—something far more important than skiing.
No matter where life takes Sedlmajer, his sport will go with him.
“Water skiing will forever be in my life even when I stop doing it on a professional level,”
Sedlmajer stated.
More info about Sedlmajer can be found on his professional website at www.adamsedlmajer.com.
To view the GoPro video of Sedlmajer, click here.
