CAROL ANN DUTHIE INDUCTED INTO 2024 WSWC HALL OF FAME
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) is thrilled to announce the induction of Carol Ann Duthie into the 2024 Hall of Fame. A trailblazer and a celebrated athlete, Duthie’s remarkable contributions to water skiing have left a lasting mark on the sport in Canada and beyond.
Carol Ann Duthie began her journey into water skiing stardom at the age of 12 when she clinched her first Canadian junior championship in 1950. Her talent quickly caught the attention of the water skiing community, and just a year later, she was a member of the Canadian National Exhibition (CNE) water ski team.
At 14, Carol Ann made waves on the international stage by winning a bronze medal in the junior women’s slalom event at the 1951 World Water Ski Championships held at Cypress Gardens. This was only the beginning of her career. In 1953, at the World Championships in Toronto, she dominated the junior women’s category, securing titles in slalom, tricks, and overall.
Carol Ann’s accolades extend beyond the international arena. She earned five Ontario titles and a Canadian senior women’s title, showcasing her talent across all levels of competition. Her father, George Duthie, who was the manager of sports at the CNE and the first President of the Canadian Water Ski Association, undoubtedly played a significant role in her success.
In 1952, Carol Ann’s exceptional talent and dedication to the sport earned her the runner-up position for the Lou Marsh Award, recognising Canada’s most outstanding athlete. Four years later, Carol Ann and her father achieved a historic milestone by becoming the first father-daughter duo to be inducted into the Canadian Amateur Sports Hall of Fame.
Her influence extended beyond water skiing as she made significant contributions to the arts. Carol Ann Duthie served as a director of the National Ballet of Canada and was actively involved in numerous committees supporting Canadian opera and ballet. In 1956, she was recognized as Etobicoke, Ontario’s most outstanding citizen.
Duthie’s legacy is further cemented by her inductions into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame and the Canadian Olympic Hall of Fame. Her story is one of passion, perseverance, and a lifelong commitment to excellence, both on the water and in her community.
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to honour Carol Ann Duthie as a 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee, celebrating her outstanding achievements and enduring impact on the sport.
PIERRE PLOUFFE INDUCTED INTO 2024 WSWC HALL OF FAME
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada proudly announces the induction of Pierre Plouffe the 2024 Hall of Fame class, honouring a remarkable career and profound contributions to the sport.
Pierre Plouffe’s journey began on the waters of the Laurentians in Quebec at the age of 8. Despite initial challenges, Pierre’s determination saw him swiftly master the art of water skiing, winning his first tournament under unique conditions – a tournament that had 20 buoys in the water and the skier who rounded the most buoys in 2 passes was the winner. Winning his first tournament was a testament to his natural talent and unwavering drive for the sport.
Pierre’s ascent in Canadian water skiing was quick. Joining the Quebec team in 1966 at the tender age of 16, Pierre quickly rose to national prominence, securing a place on the National Team by 1970. His career boasts an impressive array of achievements, including close to 10 national titles, 11 senior world championships (including 4 overall titles), and 7 Pan Am Championship titles.
Pierre Plouffe’s influence goes above his accolades. He made history when representing Canada at the 1972 Olympics in Munich when water skiing was featured as a demonstration sport. This was the one and only time water skiing has been displayed in the Olympics. Beyond competition, Pierre has dedicated himself to coaching elite national team skiers and introducing countless enthusiasts to the sport through his water sports business in Mont Tremblant, Quebec.
Pierre’s impact on the global stage is further underscored by his adventurous spirit, leading him to some legendary exploits. Pierre was famously involved in a bar altercation during the Soviet/Canada hockey series in 1972, narrowly evading significant consequences. He is also known for “borrowing” the Stanley Cup – adding an extra layer to his colourful legacy.
Inducted into Quebec’s Sports Hall of Fame, Pierre Plouffe now joins the ranks of Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s Hall of Fame, rightfully celebrated for his exceptional contributions and enduring legacy within the sport.
Join us in congratulating Pierre Plouffe on this well-deserved honour, celebrating a lifetime dedicated to excellence in water skiing.
HAROLD TOWNSEND INDUCTED INTO WSWC HALL OF FAME
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is proud to announce the induction of Harold Townsend into the 2024 WSWC Hall of Fame, honouring his exceptional contributions as a builder in the sport of water skiing. Born on January 26, 1948, in Kingston, Ontario, Harold’s remarkable journey in water skiing began in 1959 at his family cottage. He quickly transitioned from show skiing to competitive three-event skiing, and eventually took on roles in coaching and officiating.
Harold’s deep involvement in the sport started with his foundational role in the Collins Bay Water Ski Club in 1936, where he performed in ski shows until 1963, where he performed in ski shows until 1969. His show skiing career included performances at the Kirks Kove Ski Show in 1965, where he won the Barefoot Tournament, and at the Toronto CNE Ski Show in 1970 and 1971. He also skied in the Puslinch Lake Water Ski Shows from 1970 to 1974.
Harold entered his first three-event tournament in 1964 at Little Lake, Peterborough. He went on to win the Ontario Overall Championship in the Senior Men’s Division for ten consecutive years, from 1983 to 1992. Harold holds the Canadian Longevity Record, having competed for 59 consecutive years.
As a coach, Harold’s impact has been profound. He began coaching at the Collins Bay Water Ski Club in 1967 and, by 1968, had developed five skiers to compete at the Toronto Long Pond National Championships. In 1970 and 1971, he led the Ontario Water Ski Association Travelling Clinic, teaching countless new skiers across the province. Harold also contributed to the success of the McClintock Family and coached future champions Matt and Dan Rini. His coaching legacy extends to his own children, with his daughter Sara and son Jim winning numerous medals at Canadian Championships. Jim continued his success at Arizona State University, helping their ski team win the NCWSA National Championship in 2021.
In addition to his coaching, Harold has made significant contributions as an official. He became a Pan Am Judge in 2001, judging at the World Championships in Recetto, Italy, that same year. Harold has been the Chief Judge at four National Championships and numerous Ontario and Eastern Canadian Championships over the past 25 years. His involvement in the WSWC Technical Committee for the past decade has further cemented his status as a true builder of the sport.
Throughout his career, Harold has received numerous accolades, including being named Quinte Secondary Male Athlete of the Quarter Century (1954-1979), induction into the Belleville Sports Hall of Fame (1998), and the Water Ski Wakeboard Ontario Hall of Fame (2014). His legacy continues through his son Jim, who has followed in his footsteps as a coach and official, and even his grandchildren, who are becoming involved in the sport.
Harold’s dedication to water skiing is a testament to his passion and commitment, and his contributions have profoundly shaped the sport in Canada. Congratulations to Harold Townsend on his well-deserved induction into the 2024 Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada Hall of Fame.
DAVID LEAN INDUCTED INTO 2024 WSWC HALL OF FAME
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada proudly announces the induction of David Lean into the 2024 Hall of Fame induction class, honouring his dedication to the sport as an athlete. Born on October 18, 1937, in Peterborough, Ontario, David’s illustrious career in water skiing ban at the age of 15 on Jack’s Lake. By 19, he was representing Canada at the 1957 World Championships at Cypress Gardens, Florida.
David Lean’s competitive achievements are remarkable. He won the Men’s Overall at the 1966 North American Water Ski Championship and claimed the Canadian Water Ski Championship title three times (1959, 1961, and 1962). His prowess on the water extended beyond competitions; he was a celebrated show skier, dazzling audiences with performances that included barefoot skiing, skiing on canoe paddles, doubles, jumping, trick skiing, and more.
David’s contributions to the sport were not limited to his athletic feats. He organised and performed in numerous water ski shows across Ontario and Quebec, inspiring many to take up water skiing. Notably, in 1960, he organised a water ski show in Timmins, Ontario , to support the local hockey team, during which he heroically prevented a potential accident by taking control of a runaway boat.
In recognition of his sporting excellence and environmental contributions, David received two County of Peterborough Recognition Awards in 2011 and 2013. Additionally, he set several Canadian records and achieved numerous firsts in water skiing, including being one of the first Canadians to fly a flat kite and successfully complete a wake toe hold during a trick skiing competition.
David Lean’s legacy in water skiing is profound, and his induction into the 2024 Hall of Fame celebrates his exceptional achievements and enduring impact on the sport. Congratulations to David Lean.
CLAUDIA CURRIE INDUCTED INTO THE 2024 WSWC HALL OF FAME
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada is honoured to announce the induction of Claudia Currie into the WSWC Hall of Fame, class of 2024. Born on August 2, 1955, in Halifax, Nova Scotia, Claudia’s journey in water skiing began in the late 1960’s as a member of Larry’s Dolphins show ski team at Grand Lake, Nova Scotia. By the early 1970’s, she joined the Sunset beach team, which later evolved into Water Ski Nova Scotia. In 1972, she became part of Nova Scotia’s national-level competitive team.
As an athlete, Claudie Currie has an impressive record. She was the 1984 Canadian Open Trick Champion and held multiple Canadian records in senior age classes across all three events from 1984 to 2014. She achieved notable success at the Pan American Water Ski Championships, securing a silver in tricks and a bronze in slalom in 2006, and finishing fourth in tricks at the 2010 35+ World Championships. Her crowning achievement came in 2014 when she became the World Trick Champion and set a world record in the 55-60 age category.
Beyond her athletic accomplishments, Claudia’s contributions as a builder and pioneer have had a lasting impact on the sport. She has been a dedicated coach for Water Ski Nova Scotia from 1977 to 2023, serving as an NCCP Master Coach Developer, Master Evaluator, and Learning Facilitator across various levels. Claudia has been instrumental in developing the long-term athlete development program and the coaching curriculum in Nova Scotia, emphasising not only athletic excellence but also personal growth.
Claudia’s pioneering spirit extends to her work with adaptive skiing. She co-created the adaptive skiing program with Paul Bowie, significantly improving the lives of many individuals. In 2023, she launched the first integrated able-bodied and adaptive program, promoting inclusivity and mutual understanding. Her efforts also include bringing water skiing opportunities to Ukrainian refugees through immigration programs.
For over 55 years, Claudia Currie has been the matriarch of water skiing in Nova Scotia, coaching and inspiring countless athletes. Her legacy of dedication, innovation, and inclusivity has profoundly shaped the sport. Congratulations to Claudia, a true champion and visionary, on her well-deserved induction into the 2024 Hall of Fame.
BETTY PREECE INDUCTED INTO 2024 WSWC HALL OF FAME
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada (WSWC) proudly announces the induction of Betty Preece into the 2024 WSWC Hall of Fame, honouring her exceptional contributions as a builder in the world of water skiing.
Betty Preece’s journey began in Toronto, ON, in 1931 where her love for water skiing was sparked on the shores of Sparrow Lake. Growing up near Sparrow Lake, she was introduced to water skiing at an early age, igniting a passion that would shape her life. Betty’s dedication to the sport saw her rise through the ranks, dominating Canadian championships and proudly representing the nation at the 1953 World Championships. However, it was Betty’s dedication to shaping the sport that truly set her apart.
Betty played a pivotal role in shaping the landscape of water skiing. As a builder, she tirelessly advocated for rule changes, volunteered in ski shows, and worked to expand opportunities for athletes. Her visionary leadership and unwavering commitment laid the foundation for the growth and development of water skiing in Canada and beyond.
Betty’s impact as a builder extends across various facets of the sport. From her involvement in organising events to her efforts in coaching and mentorship, Betty’s passion and expertise touched the lives of countless athletes and enthusiasts. Her dedication to fostering a vibrant and inclusive water skiing community earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
Betty’s induction into the Hall of Fame as a builder is a testament to her lasting impact on the sport. Her innovative spirit, tireless work ethic, and unwavering dedication have left an indelible mark on water skiing, inspiring future generations to reach new heights of excellence.
Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada extends heartfelt congratulations to Betty Preece on her well-deserved induction into the 2024 Hall of Fame. Her remarkable contributions have enriched the sport of water skiing and will continue to inspire generations to come. Betty’s legacy serves as a beacon of excellence, guiding the way forward for the water skiing community.
