Life Members

Brett Sands is one of Australia’s most accomplished barefoot water skiers, with an international career spanning nearly four decades. He has represented Australia at twelve Open World Barefoot Championships, winning multiple individual medals and contributing to numerous team podium finishes. Brett holds world records in Jump and Slalom and remains the youngest and oldest Australian to compete in the Open Men’s division at World Championships. A respected coach since 1986, he has mentored athletes around the world and co-coached Australia’s gold medal-winning team at the 2024 World Championships. His achievements reflect exceptional longevity, sportsmanship, and dedication to barefoot waterskiing.

Brian Price has dedicated more than forty years to waterskiing as an official, administrator, and volunteer at club, national, and international levels. Beginning with his local Barefoot Club committee in 1975, he has served in numerous leadership roles and helped organise major national events. Internationally, Brian has officiated at World Championships and served as Chief Judge at the 2009 World Games. He has also contributed extensively to the development of barefoot waterskiing through the Australian Barefoot Club and as Chairman of the Asian Australasian Barefoot Council. His induction into the IWWF Hall of Fame recognises the global impact of his long-standing service to the sport.

Cathryn (Humphrey) Gordon is one of Australia’s most accomplished water skiers, achieving success from junior competition through to the international stage. She is an 11-time Australian Open Women’s Champion across trick, slalom, jump, and overall events, and has represented Australia at five Open World Championships, winning team medals. Cathryn has also claimed titles at the Moomba Masters and multiple Asian-Australasian Championships. Beginning her career as a record-setting junior, she continued to excel nationally and internationally while also contributing to the sport as a coach at state and national ski schools.

Colleen Wilkinson-Thompson is a pioneer of women’s barefoot waterskiing and one of the sport’s early champions. She became the first Open Women’s World Barefoot Champion in 1978 and won seven consecutive Australian Open Women’s Overall titles. Throughout her career she set multiple women’s world records and earned team gold at World Championships. Beginning barefoot skiing at age ten, Colleen helped develop techniques that advanced the sport for female skiers. Beyond competition, she has remained a mentor and administrator within the barefoot community, leaving a lasting legacy in Australian waterskiing.

Graham Barclay is recognised as one of Australia’s pioneering water ski champions. Known particularly for his achievements in slalom, he won multiple state and national titles and earned a bronze medal at the World Championships. Training under legendary coach Fred Williams, Graham helped establish new standards of dedication and athletic preparation in the sport’s early competitive years. After his competitive career, he continued contributing through coaching, mentoring young athletes, and founding Graham Barclay Marine. His induction as a Pioneer recognises his influence in shaping the foundations of competitive waterskiing in Australia

Leigh Southwell has been a cornerstone of the ACT waterski community since 1971. Over more than five decades he has served as a volunteer, coach, official, tow boat driver, and event organiser while continuing to compete nationally. Leigh has played a leading role in coaching inclusive sport, mentoring world champion Stephen Simmonds and other elite athletes. He has also contributed extensively to officiating standards and driver accreditation programs in Australia. His lifelong dedication has earned numerous honours and has had a profound impact on the development of Australian waterskiing.

Peter O’Neill has enjoyed a remarkable waterskiing career across both Barefoot and Show Ski disciplines. A ten-time Australian Open Men’s Barefoot Champion, he has represented Australia at fourteen World Championships, winning multiple individual and team medals. Peter has also achieved international recognition in Show Skiing, earning medals and MVP honours at World Championships. Beyond competition, he served as Australian Coaching Director for Barefoot Waterskiing, mentoring athletes and leading national programs. His leadership, achievements, and dedication make him a true ambassador of the sport.

Robert Barnett was one of the most influential administrators in Australian waterskiing. As Chairman of the Victorian Water Ski Association and Australian Open Team Manager, he played a central role in strengthening national teams and competition standards. He managed Australian teams at multiple World Championships and helped establish innovative sponsorship and fundraising initiatives. A respected official for more than twenty years, Robert also created the Junior Moomba Masters, a groundbreaking event that inspired international junior competitions. His vision and leadership left a lasting legacy in Australian waterskiing.

Robert Wing dedicated more than five decades to waterskiing as an athlete, administrator, commentator, and industry innovator. A national champion and world record holder in barefoot waterskiing, he represented Australia internationally and remained active in competition later in life. Robert also served extensively within the NSW Waterski Federation and helped establish major events such as the Malibu Series. As a commentator and founder of Wing Wetsuits, he became a respected figure both on and off the water. His passion and lifelong service have left a lasting impact on the sport.

Grant Barnett has made a significant contribution to Australian waterskiing as an athlete, coach, and administrator for more than forty years. A national champion and international representative, he competed for Australia at Junior and Open World Championships as well as Asian Australasian Championships. Grant later coached Australian teams internationally and played a major role in developing athlete pathways and coaching frameworks. As President of Water Ski Australia from 2012 to 2020 and again from 2021 to 2023, he helped guide the strategic growth of the sport nationwide.

Janice “Jan” Thurgar has dedicated over four decades to waterski racing as an official, administrator, and international leader. She has judged at eight IWWF World Racing Championships, including roles as Chief Judge and Assistant Chief Judge. Jan has served on the IWWF Executive Board and held key leadership positions within the IWWF Racing Council and the Oceania Confederation. In Australia, she has been deeply involved with the national federation since 1978 and has played a major role in developing officiating standards and organising major events. Her Hall of Fame inductions recognise her outstanding global contribution to the sport.

Brenda Harris is a highly respected wakeboarding administrator and technical official whose leadership has shaped the sport at both national and international levels. Over more than two decades, she has held key roles including Event Manager, Chief Calculator, Athlete Coordinator, and Policy Administrator at major events such as the Moomba Masters, World Championships, and World Games. Brenda has also contributed extensively to governance through Wakeboard Australia and the IWWF Wakeboard World Council, helping develop world rules, selection policies, and international training programs for officials. Already recognised with induction into the IWWF Hall of Fame, her WAWA Hall of Fame induction celebrates her profound impact on wakeboarding in Australia and worldwide.