Mike Avila

About Mike Avila

In the world of water ski racing, Mike Avila’s name is synonymous with perseverance and relentlessness. He’s the guy who never quits. During his decades-long career—and despite suffering career-ending injuries on three separate occasions—Avila won 27 National Championships, 31 High Point Championships, five World Team Championships, and three World Cups. He held every course record in the USA except one and was also holder of every fastest average speed record in the world. He was captain of Team USA for several years, and was the first racing-only athlete ever to be inducted into the Water Ski Hall of Fame. Avila still competes in boat racing and devotes his spare time to coaching and mentoring. He also built a multi-million-dollar construction company and has mentored many others to build their own firms. Colleagues throughout the industry along with the world of racing describe Avila as the greatest leader of men they have ever seen and the most relentless competitor they have ever faced.