Paul Seaton, father of Bret Howe, joined her to discuss his achievements in his sport of waterskiing. Born and raising the the United Kingdom, Paul took a love to the sport of waterskiing and had an extremely successful career. Paul Seaton held records in his event for slalom, jumping, and tricks. Paul's achievements in the sport: five time overall British Champion, three time overall European Champion, numerous individual event titles along the way, breaking a slalom record and world jump record. He also participated in the Munich 1972 Olympic Games and held a Guiness Book of Records Title.
His waterskiing career ended in the jumping event, September 1975 at the World Water Ski Championships near London when upon landing, his leg hyper extended 45 degrees. At this time he was the favourite to win the jumping event and the combined overall.
This injury would ultimately end his waterskiing career, having his knee cap needing to be completely removed. He walked with a limp and increasing pain from 1975-2002, wearing away both hips to the point in which he needed two major surgeries; one knee replacement and both hips.
As his daughter, Bret was able to water the determination and grit to not only recover from this injury, but to slalom ski for enjoyment. She envisioned that this was the same GRIT and determination he skied with in his sport career days.
Paul went on to coach in the sport running a Water Ski School out of England. He coached Andy Mapple, who was regarded as one of the greatest slalom skiers of all time. Paul set an example of how to turn adversity into the greatest teacher.
While the injury abruptly ended his career at its height, he was determined to give back to the sport world in any way possible. From coaching waterskiing, to now leading the Brooks Bandits Junior "A" Hockey Organization's Board of Directors he continues to live by his life motto "Make A Difference."