“I knew then that water skiing was my thing, and I realized how transformative a good teacher can be. That lesson stuck with me forever.”
By LAUDY
I’m from Chicago, and my first try at water skiing was in June 1974. I couldn’t get up, no matter how many attempts I made.
But a year later, with guidance from a seasoned skier, I finally stood up, skimming halfway across the lake, grinning like crazy. That moment changed everything. I knew then that water skiing was my thing, and I realized how transformative a good teacher can be. That lesson stuck with me forever.
“Did I ever imagine water skiing would be such a huge part of my life? Not at the time, but now it seems inevitable. From day one, my passion pushed me to constantly raise the bar—whether barefoot skiing or life itself. That mindset opened doors I never imagined, even leading to playing Tony the Tiger in a national Kellogg’s commercial!”
Barefoot skiing became my true obsession.
After seeing it for the first time at the Tommy Bartlett WaterSki Show, I was hooked—especially when I saw a skier go backward on one foot. At just 13, I knew I had to master it.
“I live by the principle of ‘optimal technique’—doing more with less. It’s not laziness; it’s efficiency, whether in barefoot tricks or life. That approach has been key to my success.“ For me, life isn’t about reaching a pinnacle; it’s about always pushing forward, raising the bar, and staying curious.”
Being inducted into the Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame was “an emotional moment” for South Florida-based Bilas, who says, “My Ukrainian heritage is a huge part of who I am.”
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