Dennis Longo, 62
Coral Gables
unemployed banker
Making waves: When I was 10, a friend bought a boat and he offered to take my brother and myself water skiing. I heard about a contest and decided to give it a try. I didn't do well, but it did whet my appetite.
Among champions: In 1964 I started water skiing competitively. I've been skiing on a national level since 1975, and in the fall I'm competing in the World Veteran Trophy competition on the USA team in Spain. I've earned hundreds of awards, but the most distinctive are in slalom skiing.
In the air: I train at the Greater Miami Ski Club. We do different tricks: Ski on one ski and turn into the back position or front position and do an 0 or a 540; do tricks in the air; put the rope on your foot and do toe tricks.
On the road: Any time you water ski you have to swim, but I don't swim for exercise. I go biking four or five times a week on the road. We try to go out early and stay away from traffic.
In the kitchen: I basically eat normal. I try to watch my weight by not eating excessively. I drink very little and I don't smoke.
Guilty pleasure: My wife says I like salami. Being Italian, I like Italian food.
Sorry, Brady: I read a lot of water skiing periodicals and sports magazines. Superbowl Sunday, I gotta go with the Giants.
Banker for hire: I was a banker until Colonial bought our bank. I'm looking to get back into banking.
