Gold Medalist Alex Bilodeau Comes To The Pan Pacific
This past Monday, Canadian freestyle skier, Alex Bilodeau won the Gold Medal for Canada in the Men’s Moguls event at the 2010 Winter Olympics. This accomplishment was especially important to Bilodeau and all Canadians as it was the first gold medal won at an Olympics held in Canada.
During the race, Alex needed a near-perfect run to defeat the reigning Olympic champion from Australia, Dale Begg Smith. In the end he came up with gold by landing a flawless backflip and an amazing 23.17s run into history.
At the podium, Alex broke down in tears and thanked his brother for being the inspiration behind his victory. Alex’s older brother Frederick, suffers from a disability known as Cerebral Palsy, which limits physical development.
“I’m pretty sure I wouldn’t have the same perseverance if I didn’t grow up with him. If my brother would have that chance, would he take it? Would he try more? I always – I always – come to that same answer and it’s, Yes, he would try more. That’s why I can do it.”
Bringing home the Gold
Alex has now been etched in the record books of Canadian Olympic History. He has already received a plethora of media attention and has already garnished endorsement interest by General Mills, Mcdonald’s,Canada Post and Nike.
Since his victory, Alex proclaimed he had yet to spend any time with his family. The Pan Pacific Vancouver offered the Bilodeau’s a place to unwind and held a private dinner for him and his family.
As Alex and his family arrived to the hotel by an entourage of police and security, hundreds of fans, media and autograph seekers awaited as they welcomed him with open arms and chants of praise.
Alex signed all the autographs and took as many photos as he could. The humble champ seemed poised, yet excited and told the crowd he was proud to be a Canadian.
A few days ago he was an Olympic skier with aspirations of reaching the podium and representing his country. 23.17 seconds later he became a national icon.
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