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Denise Katnich Austin
In her 25 years of work to promote health and fitness, San Pedro native Denise Austin has sold nearly 20 million exercise videos and DVDs. In addition, Austin has written nine books on fitness and is now entering her 20th season on television. “Denise Austin’s Daily Workout” is the longest running fitness show on the air. A gymnast from the age of 12, Austin earned an athletic scholarship to the University of Arizona and graduated in 1979 with a degree in exercise physiology. President Bush appointed Austin a member of the President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports.
Mike O’Donnell
San Pedro native Mike O’Donnell has served as a LA County Lifeguard for almost 50 years. He has excelled in lifeguard dory boat racing, winning two national open surfboat titles, as well as many national age group titles. He won the National Doryman’s Association championship a record seven times and completed a race across the Catalina Channel 30 times, earning several first place finishes. In 2018, the National Doryman’s Association renamed the race ‘The Mike O’Donnell Catalina Classic Dory Race’ as a tribute to his dedication to the sport. He is proud to have been part of 21 winning Lifeguard Taplin Relay teams in the world’s ultimate surf racing event. He also received his master’s & doctoral degrees in physical therapy from USC, & went on to serve as a member of the USC faculty for 25 years. He is the proud owner of Harbor Physical Therapy & Sports Medicine in San Pedro, where he has treated thousands of clients over his 40 years in practice.
Mike Pentecost
PLAQUE LOCATION TBD
Mike began sailing at the age of 4. In his 50-year career, he has participated in some of the world’s most-famous yacht races, including the America’s Cup Challenge. Mike has also sailed on the World Match Racing Circuit in Europe, and won the 1987 Grundig World Cup event in France. Some of his ocean racing highlights include winning the Transpac Barn Door trophy, winning line honors in the Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro race, sailing the Sydney Hobart race, and numerous victories on both American coasts, Mexico, and in the BVI series in the Virgin Islands. Mike has also sailed smaller boats throughout the United States and Canada. Highlights include multiple Congressional Cup regattas, sailing the Laser Master World Championships in Brazil, winning the Martin 242 Nationals 4 times, and many victories in the Viper 640 Class.