USA Today "the best-known female water skier in history"
When Camille Duvall-Hero retired from a 30-year water skiing career in
1994, USA Today hailed her as "the best-known female water skier in
history." But unlike so many water skiing greats, her legacy isn't
confined to the sport.
Sports Illustrated proved that in 2000 when they dubbed her one of the
"100 Greatest Female Athletes of the Century," alongside the likes of
Jackie Joyner-Kersee and Nadia Comaneci.
As a 15-time National Champion, 43-time Pro Tournament Champion, 5-time
Masters Champion, 5-time Coors Light Pro Tour Slalom Grand Prix Champion
and the 1985 World Slalom Champion, her record speaks for itself.
Ranked No.
in the world for ten years.
Duvall-Hero was a three-time money leader among women water
skiers, becoming the first female water skier to break six-figures in a
single year through prize money and endorsements.
She was a member of the U.S. Elite Water Ski Team from 1975-1978
and 1983-1987. When
injuries finally forced Duvall-Hero to hang up her skis at the age of
33, she was ranked No. 1 in Women's jump, No.4 in slalom and No. 3
overall.
An accomplished three-event athlete, Duvall-Hero didn't leave her
passion at the water's edge. She founded and managed the Professional
Water Ski Tour (PAWS) in 1990.
In 1998, Duvall-Hero was named coach of the U.S. Junior Water Ski
Team - the first woman to ever serve that position.
She has served as a board member of the Women's Sports
Foundation, the New York City Sports Commission, American Sports
Medicine Institute and Big Brothers and Sisters of America, among
others.
Over the years, she has worked as a professional athlete, water ski
instructor, industry consultant, businesswoman, model and mother. Her
star-quality and fierce determination not only captivated the media, it
also landed her a job as a reporter and producer for ESPN, Fox Sports,
MSG Network, Oxygen Sports and Lifetime TV.
A graduate of the New York University School of Broadcasting,
Duvall-Hero has served as editor of Competitor for Women magazine and
contributing editor of Conde Nast Women's Sports & Fitness Magazine.
Her published works include Camille Duvall's Instructional Guide
to Water Skiing.
