Photo: The Canadian Press

Brassard named as assistant Chef de Mission

DRUMMONDVILLE, QC  – The Canadian Olympic Committee is proud to announce the nomination of Jean-Luc Brassard to the position of Assistant Chef de Mission of the Canadian Olympic Team that will take part in the XXII Olympic Winter Games of 2014 in Sochi, Russia.

This announcement was made today by COC President Marcel Aubut during an event celebrating the selection of Drummondville, QC as the host city of the 2015 Québec Winter Games.

Competing at four Olympic Winter Games, Albertville in 1992, Lillehammer in 1994, Nagano in 1998 and Salt Lake City in 2002, Brassard is a pioneer in the sport of freestyle skiing (moguls). He reinvented the sport with the addition of colourful knee-patches on his competition uniform, and inspired a generation of skiers. In addition to his Olympic gold medal in Lillehammer, he won 20 gold medals on the World Cup circuit, and earned podium finishes a total of 47 times.

“Jean Luc Brassard is a proven winner,” said Canadian Olympic Team Chef de Mission for Sochi 2014, Steve Podborski. “With four Games under his belt, he has dealt with everything that can be thrown at an athlete, which is going to be a huge asset on the ground in Sochi. Equally important, though, is his approachable and friendly personality. When you combine this with his gritty determination and competitiveness, it’s easy to see why he is so important to Canada’s winning tradition at the Games. I can’t think of anyone else I would want by my side to lead this incredible Canadian Olympic Team. Welcome aboard, Jean Luc!”

Photo: The Canadian Press“This is an extraordinary opportunity, and I am proud to join Steve (Podborski) and the entire 2014 Canadian Olympic Team, noted Brassard. “As a member of four Canadian Olympic Teams, I know that the ‘team behind the team’ has a critical role to play, and I look forward to supporting each and every member of the Canadian Team in reaching the Olympic podium.”

Following his competitive career, Brassard used his knowledge of the ski world as an analyst during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver, with V and RDS. He is also the host of the scientific show Comment c’est fait.

“As Olympic Champion and veteran of four Olympic Games, Jean-Luc Brassard is the ideal individual to join our Canadian Team as Assistant Chef de Mission in Sochi in 2014,” said Marcel Aubut, President of the Canadian Olympic Committee. “Following Canada’s exceptional performance in Vancouver in 2010, our athletes are contending for top spot in Sochi. Jean-Luc will use his experience and passion for sport in helping our athletes give their everything in 2014.”

The Olympic Winter Games in Sochi will take place from February 7th to 23rd, 2014.

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