Jan Hudec made racing history in 2014, when he became the first Canadian in 20 years to win an alpine Olympic medal, after tying for bronze in the super-G in Sochi, Russia.   Hudec was also the first Canadian to win the Lake Louise World Cup downhill in 2009.

Recognized as one of the most talented racers ever seen, Hudec has overcome multiple injuries to persevere with his passion and claim his successes.  Born in Sumperk, Czech Republic, Hudec’s family fled from their homeland when he was young, with his family settling in Alberta.

Coming from a skiing family – Jan’s mother was a cross country skier and his father a downhill skier – Hudec grew up watching his father race the “masters” series and skiing around with the juniors that he coached.  So when he arrived in Canada in 1986, it was obvious where Hudec would spend his time.

With his parents accepting positions to work in Banff at the Mountain Ski Academy in 1993, Jan spent ten years in Banff, developing as a racer.  Although he now lives in Calgary, Jan’s heart remains in the Banff mountains.