Patrice Martin began his water skiing career as a trick specialist, winning open trick competitions as early as age eleven. After winning a gold and a silver medal in tricks at the World Championships in 1979 and 1981, Patrice expanded his skills to all three events, ultimately putting together an unprecedented string of six consecutive World overall titles from 1989 to 1999.

 

In all, Patrice won 10 individual gold medals in the World Championships: the six in overall and four in tricks. In addition he earned two gold medals as a member of winning French teams. His total of individual medals was a remarkable 15 earned in the 10 World Championships in which he competed.

 

Between 1978 and 1996, Patrice set SlX World trick records. His record goes on to include 34 European Championships in tricks, slalom, overall and team, six World Games titles in tricks, slalom and overall, and 17 times ranked first in the World Ranking list in tricks and overall.

 

France has awarded Patrice the Prix de l'Esprit Sportif du siecle, Chevalier de l'Ordre du Merite National, and Chevalier de l'Ordre de la Legion d'Honneur.

 

I am pleased to announce the induction into the International Hall of Fame of one of the greatest overall skiers in the history of the sport: Patrice Martin.