So Memorable: 25 Years Ago at Okeeheelee Park This week (August 31 to September 4, 1989) 25 years ago, world famous Okeeheelee Park in West Palm Beach, Florida was host to Water Ski World Championship. This was such a big event for competitive water skiing as Okeeheelee was packed with spectators. For the first time China and Russia sent teams to the water ski world championship. ESPN covered the action for a prime time show. For me some of the very memorable highlights included Carl Roberge competing well in all three events (slalom, trick & jump) but just barely missing his first overall win at the world championship by landing just a bit short in the jump event. Instead Patrice Martin won his first overall title at the world championship. Andy Mapple won gold in slalom but he also competed in all 3 events (slalom, trick, & jump). I think he crashed in the jump event. Tawn Larsen was flawless and unstoppable in trick event winning gold. For the first time anywhere, Jaret Llewellyn attempted and almost made the front flip in the trick event. The Water Ski World Championship at Okeeheelee Park in 1989 was definitely a very memorable event for me and many others in water skiing.
Posted on: Mon, 01 Sep 2014 01:00:25 +0000