LANTANA, FL [July 29, 2009]-Pro wakeboarder Raimi Merritt narrowly missed winning gold last weekend at the 2009 World Games in Kaohsiung, Taiwan.  The 16-year-old from Lantana, Florida, finished seven-tenths of a point behind Dallas Friday to take home the silver medal.

"It was an amazing experience for me at the World Games," said Merritt.  "To be able to fly across the world and wakeboard on an amazing lake with all those spectators was awesome.  I have never seen so many people in a stadium before. And getting second place by seven-tenths of a point was pretty crazy. I'm going to cherish this experience because who knows if I'll ever get a chance to go or do something like that again."

Merritt and Friday were the only two women wakeboarders selected to represent the United Sates at the 2009 World Games.  Selections were based on overall world rankings and availability.  The World Games is held every four years and showcases sports not contested in the Olympics.  

Merritt will compete next at the Pro Wakeboard Tour stop in Reno, Nevada, August 14-16, and then the WWA World Championships in Orlando, Florida, August 27-30.

Merritt trains in Orlando, Florida, with her coach, Mike Ferraro. She is sponsored by Mastercraft, Hyperlite, MonaVie, and R3 Global. For more information about Merritt, visit: www.raimimerritt.com.  
 
For more information about the World Games, visit:
http://www.worldgames2009.tw