The Athlete: ROSS CHAMPION
Episode: Jet Ski™ Double Backflip | Premiere: May 14, 2007

Perry's Thoughts:
Now this stunt was right up my alley! I can appreciate how difficult this stunt was going to be, which you all witnessed in the show when I got back on the ski after a 12-year break ... Not a pretty sight! When you watch people like Ross on Jet Skies™ out in the ocean, they make it look so graceful and carefree that someone who does not ride may not understand how difficult it is. I found Ross to be a very charming and professional athlete in both his skill and demeanor. It was a pleasure working with him. Although Ross was not successful in his quest for the double backflip on a Jet Ski™, it certainly wasn't from lack of trying, lack of skill or lack of determination — and for that I admire him. I am sure it will not be long before we get a call from Ross saying that he did the double backflip and I wish him the best of luck.

Eli's Thoughts:
When I heard Ross was going to do a double backflip on a Jet Ski™ using the ocean waves I thought, "No way." We met up with Ross and Mike out at Pizmo Beach; it was a beautiful day and the waves looked pretty good as well. Ross told us the details of his stunt and showed us the ski he was going to be using. Right away you could tell there were lots of components to this stunt that would have to be perfect in order to get this record — unfortunately, at the same time, things started to turn for the worse. First, the ski, which was modified with a "valve lever" (to give Ross thrust as he flips) and massive amounts of horsepower, wasn't working correctly; it actually seemed as if the engine was blown. Second, the weather went completely south, and one would think this might mean bigger waves, but not this time. So things were not going the way Ross had planned, but he kept a good attitude and decided to go for it anyway on his personal ski. He was awesome on the ski, catching huge air off the lip of the waves, flipping, corkscrewing and just killing it out there. On stunt day, the waves were crumbling and not nearly big enough, and he was going to need something massive to get that sled around twice. He started going for the record, and my biggest worry was if he really committed to it and got stuck at a one and a half, then the ski would be right on top of him. You could tell it was a fight out there — sometimes the weather was so bad we could hardly see him. At the end of the day it was not to be, but it didn't bother Ross too much. I truly think he will do the double backflip. He's got the skill and the drive, and let's face it, he's a champion.