Dawna Brice – Water Ski Racing’s “Queen of Speed”

Dawna Brice grew up snow skiing and water skiing in Lake Arrowhead, California. She tried all kinds of sports and was good at them, but she loved water skiing best.

And she loved the speed of water ski racing most of all.

On August 21, 1977, Dawna set a new world waterski speed skiing record. At speed skiing event held in Marine Stadium in Long Beach, California, she went through the quarter mile trap at 111.11miles per hour. This world record has yet to be broken.

“I grew up with brothers, and I liked to play with dolls, but my brothers were so much more fun! That’s how I started water skiing and racing. I loved that speed,” says Dawna.

Dawna was not just her speed record; she was a competitive member of the National Water Ski Racing Association for 15 years and consistently captured gold medals in national and international events. 

She has represented the United States with honors on three USA World Championship teams. She has always been a great ambassador for the discipline of Water Ski Racing.

But she will always be remembered for her grit.

Dawna was injured in the 1984 World Championships in Australia. She suffered a paralyzed arm. This cut short her racing career as she was on a path to win more championships. After years of physical therapy, she returned in 1987 to win the first heat of the Women's Open, only to have boat problems in the second heat, which allowed her a fourth-place finish. She proved she could still beat the best after her accident.

When you talk to Dawna, her enthusiasm for ski racing is still palpable. She still feels that “need for speed.”

“I am pretty excited and honored! I can’t wait to join my friends in the Hall of Fame,” says Dawna.