Greg Athans

Greg Athans, born on June eighteenth, nineteen fifty-five, was a remarkable Canadian freestyle skier whose career spanned from nineteen seventy-six to nineteen eighty-six. He distinguished himself by winning titles across multiple disciplines, showcasing his versatility and skill in the sport. In addition to his achievements in skiing, Athans was a dominant force in waterskiing, securing the title of Canadian national champion on fifteen occasions.

His athletic prowess was evident early on, as he competed in the Canada Games, where he made history by winning gold medals in both alpine slalom in nineteen seventy-one and water skiing in nineteen seventy-three. This remarkable feat made him the first athlete to achieve gold medals at both the summer and winter games, a testament to his exceptional talent.

In nineteen eighty-one, Athans was recognized as the best all-round competitor at the FIS Freestyle Ski World Cup, earning the prestigious World Cup Grand Prix Award. After a successful career, he retired in nineteen eighty-two, leaving behind a legacy that inspired many in the world of freestyle skiing.

Beyond his competitive achievements, Athans shared his expertise with others by publishing a book titled 'Ski Free,' which provided step-by-step instructions on performing freestyle moves. His contributions to the sport were honored posthumously when he was inducted into the British Columbia Sports Hall of Fame in two thousand fourteen, following his untimely death due to complications from diabetes.