Pete O’Neill has a remarkable water-skiing career spanning more than 30 years, excelling in both barefoot and show skiing locally and throughout the world.
Long-time local Water Ski Co-ordinator and Coach Peter O’Neill was inducted into the Waterski & Wakeboard Australia Hall of Fame at the Crown Palladium in Melbourne on Saturday, March 7.
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In front of more than 350 of his industry peers, Pete said he was humbled to be recognised as a “Hall of Famer” in an industry that has given him so much personally.
“I would not have achieved anything in this industry without the help of other people along the way,” Pete said.
“Each year someone has helped me; my parents were amazing, providing the opportunity and also pushing me to achieve my best.
“Then there were people in the industry like John Steklenberg, who taught me I needed to train hard and how to train
Pete O’Neill and host Mark Beretta at the Waterski & Wakeboard Australia Hall of Fame celebrations.
“Even as a young 19-year-old, the leap of faith from Tim Levesque to appoint me as the Mulwala Water Ski Club Co-ordinator was life-changing.
“And the support from local people such as Brutis and Kathy Ryan, who welcomed me as family and supported me in everything I did.
“There are so many people in pivotal times that made my achievements possible that it would take a year to name them all.”
Pete has a remarkable water-skiing career spanning more than 30 years, excelling in both barefoot and show skiing locally and throughout the world.
A ten-time Australian Open Men’s Barefoot Champion, he has represented Australia at 14 World Championships, earning multiple individual and team medals, including Open Division gold, silver and bronze.
Highlights include winning Junior Tricks Gold at the 1999 World Championships in Houston and being named IWWF International Barefooter of the Year in 2012 as well as leading Australia to four Open World Team golds.
In show skiing, Peter has competed at five World Championships as a skier, announcer and co-show director, earning multiple silver medals and MVP honours in 2018.
He was recognised as IWWF International Show Skier of the Decade (2010–2020) and has guided national teams to numerous Australian Championship gold medals.
Beyond competition, Peter served as Australian Coaching Director – Barefoot from 2017 to 2024, mentoring generations of athletes and prioritising their development.
He has also chaired local organising committees for major national and international events, including World Championships in 2014, 2023 and 2025.
“I believe I was never the most talented athlete; I just worked hard and skied a lot,” Pete said.
“In Mulwala I am so proud that we coached and developed so many young skiers, many of whom competed for Australia and now work in the industry but have never even owned a boat.
“We are so blessed in Mulwala, our locals have world-class facilities and programs from the Mulwala Water Ski Club.”
Honoured with Life Membership of the Victorian Barefoot Water-Ski Club, the IWWF Presidents Award and other accolades, Peter’s leadership, mentorship and dedication make him a true ambassador of the sport.
