Zenon Bilas has won international gold. The 60-year-old, nine-time US national barefoot waterskiing champion, wake sports authority and motivational speaker took top honors at the recent 2022 International Waterski and Wakeboard Federation World Masters Barefoot Championships in San Marcos, Texas.
Bilas secured first place in the highly-contested Senior 3 Men Slalom division, competing against 24 other skiers from around the world. In this event, entrants take two 15-second passes through the course at up to 47 mph, earning points for crossing the boat's wake as many times as possible, frontwards and backwards, scoring more for doing it only on one foot. Below is a video of Bilas' winning run:
Bilas, based in West Palm Beach, began barefoot waterskiing at age 15. At 20, he won his first US national gold medal. "I attribute my success both on and off the water to my commitment to clean, healthy living," he said. "And this is what I emphasize at my speaking engagements: that with a single-minded focus, hard work, perseverance and the inner strength to avoid temptations, your dreams and aspirations can be achieved." Bilas was recently added to the Steered Straight roster of celebrity motivational speakers.
Also an accomplished writer, Bilas' work has been published worldwide. He is likewise considered a leading wakesports advocate and recognized expert on safe skier towing, with decades of professional coaching and global public appearances helping deliver his message. Bilas was inducted to the Ukrainian Sports Hall of Fame in the US in 2020.