Katie Mawby to Be Inducted into the 2027 Water Ski Hall of Fame

Vision impaired water skier has earned 38 world titles, set 14 world records and established a legacy of excellence spanning more than three decades

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation is proud to announce that Katie Mawby, one of the most accomplished adaptive water skiers in the history of the sport, will be inducted into the Water Ski Hall of Fame.

Competing for the United States in the V2/3 Vision Impaired division, Mawby has built an extraordinary international career defined by talent, determination and remarkable longevity. Since competing in her first World Championships in 1995, she has represented the United States at 12 World Championships and reached the podium 41 times at world titled events.

Her outstanding career accomplishments include 38 world titles and 14 world records across all three traditional water ski events. Mawby has set six world records in slalom, four in tricks and four in jump, demonstrating an exceptional level of versatility rarely achieved in international competition.

Mawby’s success has extended across generations of competitors and through numerous changes within the sport. Despite facing injuries throughout her career, she repeatedly returned to competition and continued winning world titles and setting records. Her resilience, competitive spirit and commitment to excellence have made her a respected leader and an inspiration throughout the adaptive water skiing community.

In 2021, the International Waterski & Wakeboard Federation named Mawby its Disabled Female Skier of the Quarter Century, recognizing her as the leading female adaptive water skier of the preceding 25 years. She has also been honored multiple times as an Adaptive Water Ski Athlete of the Year.

Mawby continued adding to her legacy well beyond that recognition. At the 2022 Adaptive Water Ski National Championships, she won gold medals in Vision Impaired Women slalom and tricks and recorded a pending world tricks record. She again represented the United States at the 2023 IWWF World Disabled Water Ski Championships, earning first place in the Vision Impaired Women slalom competition.

Her influence reaches far beyond medals and records. Throughout her career, Mawby has demonstrated what adaptive athletes can accomplish at the highest levels of international competition. Her achievements have helped elevate the visibility of adaptive water skiing while inspiring athletes with visual impairments to pursue their own goals on the water.

Mawby’s Hall of Fame induction recognizes a career that has helped define excellence in adaptive water skiing. Her 38 world titles, 14 world records and decades of international competition have established a standard that will be difficult to match.

The 2027 Water Ski Hall of Fame induction ceremony will be held during Hall of Fame Weekend, April 9 and 10, 2027.

The USA Water Ski & Wake Sports Foundation Hall of Fame honors individuals who have made significant and lasting contributions to water skiing and wake sports in the United States. Freddy Krueger’s induction in 2026 will celebrate not just his victories, but also his enduring influence on the sport and its community.