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JOHNNY F. BASSETT MEMORIAL AWARD
for Sporting Excellence and Community Values
Cary Mullen - Alpine Skiing
Nominated by Alpine Canada Alpin
A decade on Canada's national ski team came to an end last November when World Cup veteran Cary Mullen retired, forced out by a string of concussions, including one incurred in a horrific crash in 1997. The Strathmore, Alta., resident spent months in rehabilitation recovering from his injuries. Although he emerged from the ordeal "110 per cent healthy," Mullen stepped out of the competitive arena on the advice of his doctors.
Despite being denied the chance to fulfill his dream of becoming an Olympic champion, Mullen, the last Canadian to win a World Cup downhill (he did it and set a course record in 1994 at Aspen), enjoyed a remarkable career that included setting a speed record of 150 kph on the famed Hahenkahm course in Kitzbuhel, Austria, in 1996. He made two other trips to the World Cup podium, captured two U.S. championships, and posted four Nor-Am Cup wins.
A dedicated ambassador for ski racing, the 31-year-old believes in giving back to his sport. He founded the annual charitable Cary Mullen Champ Fest, a coalition of champions that assists Alberta Alpine and Kids Cancer Care. He lends his support to charities such as Kid's Help Phone, Ronald McDonald Children's Charities, Cystic Fibrosis, and Multiple Sclerosis. In 1994, Mullen created the Cary Mullen Character Awards to recognize young athletes who have displayed "courage, commitment, confidence, and camaraderie," characteristics Mullen says are the marks of a true champion.
A respected consultant and motivational speaker, Mullen is also enjoying business success through his work in advertising, promotions, and sales. As president of MULLENium Enterprises, his mission is to promote and develop champions.
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