In the world of water ski racing, Mike Avila’s name is synonymous with perseverance and relentlessness. He is widely considered the most dominating men’s ski racer in the history of the National Water Ski Racing Association — never going a single year without a win since 1968.

Mike suffered career-ending injuries on three separate occasions — breaking his neck three times and experiencing paralysis — yet after each injury, he came back and continued to win. In 2002, he became the first racing-only athlete ever inducted into the Water Ski Hall of Fame.