Born: March 3, 1960
Known for: The West Sacramento native is considered one of the most accomplished water skiers of her generation, claiming 26 national titles, 22 national records and 68 professional tournament titles. She also became the first woman to hold the world slalom and jump records simultaneously.
Background: Brush Mapple began water skiing when she was age 2, grabbing an extended garden hose from the back of a power boat and wearing an oversized life jacket and homemade wooden water skis on Lake Winchester, near Clarksburg. Her mother, Carroll, was a national competitor in her youth. Brush Mapple went on to win the junior girls national slalom title in 1972 and 1973 and the girls national jump title in 1975, while attending James Marshall High School (now River City) in West Sacramento. She earned a spot on the U.S. Water Ski Team seven consecutive times. In 1987, she married Andy Mapple, another world-renowned water skier. Between 1987 and 1990, she won 38 consecutive jump championships. She continued to excel in her sport before retiring in 1995.
A highlight: Brush Mapple was elected to the Water Skiing Hall of Fame in 2000.
In History's Spotlight profiles of Sacramento newsmakers were published originally in 2007 to commemorate the 150th anniversary of The Sacramento Bee. They were written by Anthony Sorci. Look for them every Sunday in Sac History Happenings.
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