Retirement from sport is tough. For an extended period of time – in my case over twenty years from age seven to 27 – this was my passion, my focus. But sport is a great teacher: focus, dedication, goal setting, critical examination, split second evaluation – a skill set that can be used for a lifetime. Couple these skills with the experience of international sport – business, international markets and networks – which provide unique opportunities in sports journalism through TV broadcasting and writing. While it takes time to make the transition, which returning to university to complete a degree in Economics helped bridge, finding new challenges and dedicating this passion to educating the Canadian public about ski racing and sport became a new focus for me. For 15 years I had the privilege of working with the very best in sports broadcasting with CBC Sports, including the dean of Canadian Olympic sports broadcasting, Mr. Brian Williams and a leader in the business, Mr. Jim Thompson. My parents also influenced my interest in sport beyond just being an athlete. They dedicated their lives to volunteering within ski racing, and this encouraged me to give back to the sport that gave me so much. This led to the IOC Athletes Commission, the Canadian Olympic Committee as Chef de Mission for the 1992 Summer Olympic Team to Barcelona, the FIS Alpine Executive Board and ultimately to the leadership role as President and CEO of Alpine Canada Alpin.

The actors did an exceptional job in the portrayal of the original members of the Crazy Canucks, of the story and of the attention to detail to make the film genuine. There was some ‘creative license’ to make our story fit into a 100 minute film, but the producers took great care to respect our sport. It was an honour to have one of the most successful made-for-TV movies ever in Canada featuring ski racing and our history.

Being an athlete, I have very high standards for what I wear. I spend a lot of time on the hill. I expect my ski wear to let me do my job by keeping me warm, cut the wind and elements, as well as leading the way in both design and comfort. Descente’s Platinum ski wear is exceptional for every aspect of what I expect – design, fashion, comfort and to meet my needs as someone who skis a lot and likes to ski hard.

I was one of the sport leaders who founded Own The Podium and participated, once this program was underway, as President of Alpine Canada Alpin. Since 2010, it has been so rewarding to work with all the Canadian winter sports, to help make dreams a reality through a focus on podium performance. OTP has demonstrated to all Canadians that we can aim high, and provide programs that will make our athletes achieve their goals. To be part of helping athletes receive the necessary financial and technical assistance to aim for excellence is truly rewarding.

I have this advice for young athletes – develop a passion for your sport, as it will be this devotion that will equip you with the critical thinking, determination and ability to pursue every detail that will lead you to aim to be the best. And – listen to your coaches! For parents of young athletes – start early and teach your children to love what they do. Surround them with a strong group of peers who will become friends, support group and competitors. And also listen to the coaches, helping them at every step. And finally, be there – every day – to drive, volunteer and provide the support necessary to create an environment for success. There is no better investment than to introduce your children to sport.