Don Thomson facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Don Thomson
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| Born | October 14, 1941 (age 83) |
| Citizenship | United States, Canada |
| Organization | Cypress Gardens |
| Known for | back to front turns, tumbleturns, back barefooting |
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Don Thomson
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| Military service | |
| Branch/service |  United States Army,  United States Navy |
| Rank |  Commander |
Don Cameron Thomson, born on October 14, 1941, is an American water skier who became a true pioneer in the exciting sport of barefoot skiing. He helped make barefoot skiing popular by pushing its limits and inventing new tricks.
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Don Thomson: A Water Skiing Legend
Don Thomson is famous for making barefoot skiing last much longer. He stretched the early records from just 5 minutes to over 30 minutes! This showed everyone what was possible on the water without skis.
Barefoot Skiing Pioneer
Thomson introduced many cool new moves to barefoot skiing. These included doubles barefooting, where two people ski together, and front to back and back to front turns. He also helped develop the tumble turn with another skier named Terry Vance. Don was also a top-level skier in other water ski events.
He was a big supporter of new technology in water skiing. He helped bring carbon fiber into molded skis, which made them lighter and stronger. He also played a key role in developing the slalom fin, a part of the ski that helps skiers turn better.
Show Skiing Innovator
In 1962, Don Thomson brought backward barefooting to show skiing at Cypress Gardens. This was a big deal because it added a new, exciting element to water ski shows. Imagine skiing backward on your bare feet – that's what he did!
A Hero in the Sky
During his time serving in the Navy, Don Thomson was a helicopter pilot. Even while serving, he found ways to share his love for water skiing. He taught other soldiers how to water ski in different areas, including behind large ships in the Gulf of Thailand. This showed his dedication to the sport, no matter where he was.
Honored for His Achievements
Don Thomson's amazing contributions to water skiing have been recognized. There's a life-size photograph of him barefooting at the Water Ski Hall of Fame and Museum. In 2012, he received the special Don-Thomson Award of Distinction, honoring his incredible impact on the sport.
