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 Canadian Freestyle Ski Association
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Date of Birth: 24/08/72 |
Place of Birth: Valleyfield, QC |
Residence: Grand-Île, QC |
Height: 5'7" |
Weight: 160 lbs |
Years on National Team: 13 |
Jean-Luc Brassard silenced his critics this past March at the national championships when he won the gold medal in dual moguls, his first victory
in two years. Many believed the 1994 Olympic champion's career had seen its best days. He missed the entire 2000-2001 World Cup season
due to off-season knee surgery. The career-threatening injury occurred at the World Cup final the previous season. In 1999-2000 he was eighth
in the World Cup moguls standings reaching the podium only once.
But overcoming adversity may just be the tonic this fiercely competitive athlete needs to revitalize a brilliant career.
Brassard is a three-time overall World Cup champion with an astounding 20 career victories. The two-time world champion was fourth at the
Nagano Olympics. At those Games, Brassard, usually a walking P.R. machine, blamed his disappointing result on the fact he carried the flag
during the opening ceremonies. His lack of diplomacy was severely criticized at the time. However the Canadian Olympic Association and other
Canadian major Games officials changed the selection process for the flag bearer after Nagano.
In moguls each competitor skis down a bumpy course and must perform two jumps or tricks. Brassard's most effective trick is the Kosack jump
which he executes with a personal touch to provide a higher degree of difficulty. The jump is officially called the JLB. The Kozak is a spread
eagle where the skier's upper body leans forward and arms reach towards the ski tips to form a box profile.
At the age of eight, Brassard began skiing on a small mountain near his home. After growing tired of traditional skiing quite quickly, he
discovered competitive mogul skiing. Brassard developed rapidly, joining the national team at age 17 and winning his first World Cup race at 18.
What Canada Did
Feb. 12 - Men's moguls: Jean-Luc Brassard, Grande-Ile, Que., was 21st of 16 finalists.
Jean-Luc Brassard Photos
Jean-Luc Brassard performs his trademark cossack jump
2002 Games Freestyle Skiing Coverage
