Cambodian jet ski star Saly Oumouet has become the first Asian competitor to win gold in the top-level Pro AM Runabout Endurance category at the Jet Ski World Series. He achieved the historic feat despite competing with an injury that was later diagnosed as a fractured rib.
The Cambodian national team collected four gold, three silver and two bronze medals at the event, held in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA.
Oumouet said the gold medal in Pro AM Runabout Endurance meant more to him than any other award, as no Asian rider had previously won the category’s top honour during the competition’s 45-year history.
Speaking after arriving home at Techo International Airport on October 17, he said: “I have set a new historical record by winning gold in the Pro AM Runabout Endurance category. No Asian rider has won this event in 45 years. I am the first Cambodian and the only rider from Asia to bring home gold in this category for our country.”
To achieve the milestone, Oumouet defeated French 10-time champion Hugo Pastorello. Before the decisive race, he nearly withdrew, after falling from his jet ski during training. He was also injured during the Pro Sport GP event, where he nearly fell from his machine and had to settle for silver.
Following the two incidents, his coach advised him to withdraw and allow his younger brother, fellow rider Saly Filin, to compete in his place. But two days before the event, Oumouet took medication to treat the injury and relieve the pain before deciding to race, prompting serious concern among those around him about his safety.
“I went to compete and represent the Kingdom in a powerful country. If I gave up, it would not do justice to my own efforts, nor would it be right towards the Cambodian people who follow me, support me and encourage me,” he explained.
“I tried to take medication, even though my coach and club owner advised me not to compete, because I have been pursuing this trophy for a very long time,” he added.
His performance astonished spectators from around the world as he demonstrated his jet ski control and technical ability to overcome Pastorello and claim gold.
Oumouet noted that the French rider has been regarded as the dominant champion in the category for 10 consecutive years. He added that he overtook Pastorello and recorded the fastest time in both heats, leaving his rival embarrassed and absent from the medal ceremony.
“This is no ordinary achievement. We have shown the world that Cambodia may be a small country, but we have big hearts and talented athletes capable of representing our nation on the international stage,” he said.
Oumouet was welcomed at Techo International Airport by Nos Sles, president of the Cambodia Jet Ski Federation, along with other officials, relatives and supporters.
“After the examination, the doctor told me that my sixth rib was fractured. That is why I still feel pain when breathing in, and it hurts badly when I cough. The doctor has told me to rest and undergo treatment for a while,” Oumouet explained, via an October 18 social media post.
He finished the second round of the 2026 Jet Ski World Series with one gold and one silver medal. His teammates also performed strongly: Saly Filin won two golds and a silver; Kai Vansiden claimed a gold and a bronze; Min Mustan earned a silver; and Min Osman took a bronze.
The team now faces the decisive third and final round, which will be held in Thailand from January 13 to 17, 2027.
Oumouet said he would work to recover in time for the final round.
“I will do my best to recover in time for the final round so we can see who becomes the champion across three continents. I want to bring this trophy home for our country and for all the people who have continued to follow and support me and the team,” he added.
Teammate Vansiden also expressed confidence ahead of the final round, saying he was proud to have beaten his own previous record and intended to improve further through training.
“I will try to win gold in the 2026 World Series for our country. My World Series points are also looking good, so I will train hard and aim to perform even better,” he said.
Looking ahead to the final in Thailand, Oumouet said the Cambodian team needed to prepare for the possibility of irregularities and be ready to give its absolute best.
“I have been involved in this sport for nearly 20 years, and I know which countries are the most formidable rivals. For me, Thailand, is the most formidable competitor. Even if they cannot beat us in the competition itself, they may beat us in other ways. That is why we must be prepared 1,000 per cent,” he warned.
He added that he had urged his younger teammates to rely on their own ability rather than outside assistance.
“I have told my younger teammates that we should not rely on technicalities but on our own ability. We want the world and everyone attending to see that we win through our own performance, not because the judges have helped us,” he said.
Nos Sles, said the federation and relevant institutions would seek the government’s support, particularly through the ministry, to ensure the Cambodian team could compete throughout the final round.
He said the final was particularly important for the team and for Oumouet, who is determined to win the three-continent title, further raising Cambodia’s profile on the international stage.