Betty Leighton has been a pioneer in the sport of water skiing in Australia and the Asian-Australasian Region as well.

 

At the 1953 World Championships in Toronto, Canada, Betty and fellow-Australian John Kumm became the first skiers from the Region to enter international competition. While neither went home with medals, they left with experience and enthusiasm which was to nourish competition in Australia and throughout the Region for many years to come. Betty went on to become an internationally recognized official, serving as a judge for the World Championships in 1969, 1971 and 1973. She also was active in the initial organization of barefoot and delta kite competition in Australia.

 

I am pleased to announce the induction into the International Hall of Fame of Australia's pioneering water skier and official: Betty Leighton.