Jim Clunie
Inducted 2008 - Athletics
Jim leaped to international acclaim in the sport of water skiing. As a jump specialist, Clunie was a member of the National Team, competed at many prestigious tournaments, and acquired many notable awards and achievements, including:
Highest rated water ski jumper in Saskatchewan from l981-1999
Saskatchewan waterskiing Male Athlete of the Year from l985-1999 and member of Saskfirst Water Ski Team from l987-l996
Competed in twelve Western Canadian Championships, winning seven gold, six silver and five bronze medals.
Won eight gold, three silver and three bronze medals in fifteen National Championships
In l992, at the Moomba Masters in Australia, he became one of the few jumpers in the world to ever break the 200 foot barrier, retiring with a career-best jump of more than 213 feet
In l995 the Kipabiskau Water Sports Club held a Jim Clunie Appreciation Day and erected a sign in his honour at the park entrance
Jim’s contributions extended beyond the water.
Named athlete representative on the Canadian Olympic Association for Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada in l997
Served as an athlete liaison on Water Ski and Wakeboard Canada’s board of directors from l995-l996, as well as various other committees
Founding member of the Professional Jumpers International Association
Coached Saskatchewan water skiers at a training academy he operated in Florida then returned home every year to coach young skiers and promote the sport at an annual water skiing clinic
Vice-president of competition for the Saskatchewan Water Ski Association in l999-2000 as well as Chief of Competition and organizer of the 2000 Saskatchewan provincial water skiing championships
Beyond his titles as an athlete and committee member, Jim has bestowed a level of respect, determination and integrity on the sport. His coaches, team mates and other international athletes refer to him as “the little man with a big heart.”