On Thursday, January 11, Guinness World Records announced Dwan Young of Fish Haven as the official record holder for the world’s oldest water skier. The nonagenarian picked up skiing when her family bought a cabin on Bear Lake in 1961.
The sport’s popularity at the lake, located on the Utah-Idaho border about 100 miles northeast of Salt Lake City, was what initially tempted her to try it when she was 29. And she came away with an important lesson.
“Waterskiing taught me that when you have a goal, do not give up,” she told Guinness. “Just keep trying.” Young started out by mastering waterskiing on two skis. Then she set out to learn how to slalom ski, which involves using one ski while navigating around a set of buoys.
It took her a lot of effort, and there were numerous failures. But Young finally picked up on the single ski. According to her, that moment is her favorite water-skiing memory. The adventure-loving woman now starts out on two skis, then drops one after she gets going to save energy, according to Guinness.
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According to Young, she enjoys skiing when the water is smooth, and her love for the sport has only grown over the years. “In the water, I feel excited,” she says about skiing. Little wonder it has become a family tradition in her household.
Every year, Young and her family go back to the Bear Lake. There, her children, grandchildren, and even great-grandchildren all water ski with her. Her grandchildren are her coaches and cheerleaders, according to Guinness. However, her husband, the voice of reason, is half-convinced that she is crazy.
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Last year, one of Young’s granddaughters gave her an extra special gift for Christmas. It was a framed Guinness World Records certificate declaring her the world’s oldest female water skier.
Young initially thought it was a joke. “I still cannot believe it,” she said. “What a surprise and what an honor.” The nonagenarian told Guinness that she plans to stay healthy so she can waterski again next summer. “I am very fortunate to have good health, which allows me to enjoy life to its fullest,” she said.
Young has advised younger people to not be afraid to try a new sport when they are older. “You are more capable than you think,” she said.
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It’s the first month of the new year, but there is no doubt the adventure-loving Young has already been out skiing. She is proof that old age only limits us as much as we allow it to. And if skiing is not your thing, there are dozens of other sports you might try that you could develop a fondness for. All that matters is your determination to try.
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