FREESTYLE:

Moguls legend Brassard soars into Canada Sports Hall of Fame

Nov. 11, 2010      ♦ Photo: Jean-Luc Brassard (CFSA)

CALGARY — Jean-Luc Brassard’s induction into the Canada's Sports Hall of Fame on Wednesday night marks the first time a freestyle skier has been recognized by the prestigious organization.

Joining Brassard in the 2010 members inducted Wednesday were speedskater Clara Hughes, race car driver Jacques Villeneuve, gymnast Kyle Shewfelt, former NHL goaltender Patrick Roy, Paralympian Chantal Petitclerc, as well as Roger Jackson and the late Bob Ackles in the builder category.

"I'm just in awe of the class of 2010," said Hughes, an Olympic medallist in both the Summer and Winter Games. "I can't believe I'm a part of it.

"More than anything I'm just so proud and so happy," said Hughes.

Hughes, who carried Canada's flag at the opening ceremonies of the 2010 Vancouver Games, is the only person to have won multiple medals in both the summer and winter Olympics. She won two cycling bronze medals in 1996 in Atlanta, then four medals on the ice in the 2002, 2006 and 2010 Winter Olympics.

Brassard captured 20 World Cup gold medals, two World Cup moguls titles and two overall world titles over his 12-year freestyle career. The native of Valleyfield, Que., won moguls gold at the 1994 Lillehammer Olympics in the sport's debut as a medal event.

Canada's Sports Hall of Fame roster now stands at 514 members. The new facility located at Canada Olympic Park is expected to be complete in June, 2011.

As Canadian Freestyle Ski Association CEO Peter Judge pointed out, Brassard’s competitive biography is not the only reason he has been singled out as a Canadian sports hero.

Judge said, “We are very proud that Jean-Luc has been selected for induction into Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame. As a steely-eyed competitor, Jean-Luc showed something special from his first World Cup victory at his home mountain at the age of 18 through four Olympic appearances. It is clear that his body of work was both significant and impressive.

“More importantly though, was the manner in which he conducted himself ― unassuming, humble, gregarious and always approachable. Jean-Luc was a shining example of how we want our athletes to be, both in the heat of battle and off the field. We are excited to see Jean-Luc take his place among Canada’s sporting elite.”

In fact, numerous members of today’s national freestyle team, including Olympic champion Alex Bilodeau, credit Brassard with inspiring them to become freestyle skiers. S-Magazine

― The Canadian Press and CFSA contributed to this report