At 92 years and 99 days old, Dwan Young—YESCO board member and matriarch of Utah’s 104-year-old sign building Young family—has officially slalom-skied her way to a Guinness World Records title. As of August 8, 2023, she is officially the world’s oldest waterskier (female), according to the famous book of world records.
Dwan started waterskiing in 1961 when her family purchased a cabin on Bear Lake, a freshwater lake spanning the border dividing Utah and Idaho. Inspired by the sport’s popularity on the lake, she decided to give it a try herself.
After mastering skiing on two skis, she learned how to slalom ski. “Waterskiing taught me that when you have a goal, do not give up. Just keep trying,” she says.
Waterskiing at Bear Lake is a yearly tradition and a family affair. Dwan’s children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren get in on the action, too. She says her grandchildren are her coaches and cheerleaders.
In fact, at the Young family Christmas party last month, Dwan’s daughter announced her granddaughter had a surprise. After showing a video of Dwan skiing last summer, her granddaughter presented her with a Guinness World Records plaque.
Dwan shares, “Everyone clapped and I was stunned. It had to be a joke. I could not believe it.
“I still cannot believe it. What a surprise and what an honor.”
Dwan’s goal is to stay healthy and waterski next summer. “Do not be afraid to try a new sport when you are older,” said Dwan. “You are more capable than you think.”
—Press Release
