Canadian Sports Heritage - Athletes of National Historic Significance
Jan Hudec (b. 1981)
Canada's National Parks – A super natural place to grow up
Jan Hudec training at Lake Louise Ski Area on Nov. 27, prior to the 2009 Bombardier Lake Louise Winterstart.Courtesy of ACA / Peak Photography
The 2010 Winter Games are all about being the best you can be, and Canada's national park system is internationally recognized as being among the best in the world. It was also an extraordinary place for Canadian Jan Hudec to develop as a young downhill skier. Hudec is a recognized world-class athlete with a World Cup gold medal, and silver from the 2007 World Championships. You could say he was born into the sport.
His parents were accomplished skiers, and the young Hudec, born in the Czech Republic, was on the slopes in Austria before he was old enough to go to school. The family immigrated to Canada in 1986 and initially settled in Red Deer, Alberta where his father coached the local ski team. In 1993, his parents both became instructors at the Mountain Ski Academy in Banff. Hudec's respect for his surroundings grew with his skill and passion for skiing. “As a kid, I realized it was important to protect National Parks on a personal level and for future generations of Canadians,” said Hudec.
The small towns and villages near many national parks are close-knit communities and growing up in such an environment was life shaping for Hudec and his younger brother Phil, also an exceptional skier. Surrounded by rugged natural beauty and like-minded people, Banff National Park motivated Hudec to strive for his best performance. “The national park environment is inspirational. It encouraged me to experience life and reach for the top. Just to have these mountains at my doorstep has contributed a lot to my passion for sport and drive for success. It made a big impact on who I am as a person and helped define my values in life.”
Hudec now resides in Calgary with his wife and has his tips turned to an Olympic podium in 2010.