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WATERSKI MagazineIncreasingly, professional sport is about specialization. Rarely do we find do-it-all athletes like Willie Mays, who could hit for power, swipe bases and chase down deep fly balls with ease. Or the versatile Paul Hornung, an NFL halfback who also could pass, punt and kick field goals. Today's athletes are focused on fine-tuning their strengths to offset their weaknesses, exploiting the positives and hiding the negatives. How else do you explain the designated hitter, the special-teams standouts in football or basketball's three-point threats? With so much at stake – namely money – few elite athletes dare to diversify. Water skiing is no exception.
Some of the greatest skiers of our time have limited themselves to one or two events. First, it allows them to focus on a specific discipline and increase their chances of winning prize money. Second, it helps minimize the possibility of an injury that would hinder their chance at the first reason. It's hard to imagine Andy Mapple, Kyle Peterson or Toni Neville in an overall race, but they were once overall champions. Now, they're at the top in slalom, tricks and jump, respectively.
Still, there are a handful of skiers who refuse to give in. Who don't ask to the see the money. Who put even more effort into their weak events than they do their strong. Who somehow find the time, patience and focus to balance the three disciplines that make up overall.
Jaret Llewellyn, Rhoni Barton and Steffen Wild continue to keep the overall dream alive. They are three who will not quit, driven by the desire to be the best in an event that demands persistence, dedication and event symmetry. Here are their stories.
