A scene worthy of talent was essential; Lake Von Bach Dam, the natural jewel located in the heart of Namibia, transformed into a stage for a striking Moroccan crowning this past weekend. Young Kamal Belmahra, aged 21, clinched the title of African Champion 2026 in waterskiing (all categories), adding to it the award for Best African Skier of the Year. This dual achievement reflects a clear dominance and strong presence on the continental scene.
Belmahra entered the competition facing some of the most prominent South African names that have established their influence in the sport of waterskiing on the continent. However, the Moroccan champion excelled thanks to his remarkable speed, great precision, and mental steadiness. In the slalom events, he set a pace that none of his competitors could match, while his well-executed runs showcased a technical level that impressed the judging panel without hesitation.
This crowning did not come out of nowhere, as Belmahra is recognized as one of the most prominent rising stars in the sport. In 2021, he made history in Madrid by becoming the first African to win the slalom gold for the under-17 category in both the European and African Championships, adding gold medals from the simultaneous 2020 and 2021 editions. In the same year, he earned the silver medal at the World Masters Championship in Calway Gardens, United States.
His achievements continued in Mexico, where he set a new African record in the qualifiers for the under-21 World Championship. In 2023, he earned the bronze medal at the Europe-Africa Championship in the same category in Bordeaux, reaffirming Morocco’s continental leadership. By August 2025, he placed fourth at the under-21 World Championship in Calgary, Canada, becoming the first African to reach this advanced global level.
What was achieved at Von Bach Dam should not be considered a surprise, but rather a logical extension of a carefully studied upward trajectory, reflecting continuous improvement in performance and results.
This achievement is not limited to winning just two titles; it represents a clear announcement of a new phase of Moroccan dominance in waterskiing in Africa. With only 21 years of age and possessing the skills to compete with the world’s top skiers, it seems Belmahra is on track to ascend the global podium in the senior category in the coming years.
As always, the Moroccan champion did not miss the opportunity to dedicate this achievement to his family, recalling the significant sacrifices his parents made since his early beginnings, in addition to the crucial support provided by his partners and sponsors, which enabled him to continue his professional journey in one of the most demanding sports at the international level.
