Josh Dueck
Para-alpineA former freestyle skiing coach, Dueck broke his back when he overshot a demonstration jump and was told he would have to “rock the world” in a wheelchair. As an ace sit-skier, Dueck has done just that, winning gold in Mono Skier X at the 2011 X Games, bronze at 2012 X Games and picking up silver in slalom at the 2010 Paralympics. In Feb. 2012, Dueck became the first sit-skier to complete a backwards flip on snow - earning him international acclaim and an appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show.
Top Results
Gold – Mono Skier X – Winter X Games – Aspen, USA (2011)
2nd – Slalom – Paralympic Winter Games – Vancouver, B.C. (2010)
World champion – Downhill – IPC World Championships – Jeongseon, Korea (2009)
IPC World Cup rankings:
(2011-12)
Overall: 13th
Slalom: 15th
Giant slalom: 17th
Super combined: 9th
Super-G: 3rd
| Birth date: | 13/01/1981 |
| Birth place: | Kimberley, B.C. |
| Residence: | Vernon, B.C. |
| Hometown: | Kimberley, B.C. |
| Ski club: | Silver Star Mountain Resort |
| Made team: | 2008 |
| Sponsor: | WorkSafeBC, Silver Star Mountain Resort, Lululemon, Volkl, Rancho Vignola |
| Height: | 5-10 |
| Weight: | 145 pounds |
| Skis: | Volkl |
| Poles: | Superlite |
| Goggles: | Oakley |
Nickname: Duey - self explanatory.
Best moment in skiing: Pillow drops in Chatter Creek, B.C.
Worst moment in skiing: Tough days/conditions are what make great skiers.
What one thing would you change about skiing: Equipment, specifically the mono-ski.
Best World Cup stop: Whistler, because of the weasel workers (volunteers)! Plus it’s the most exciting and challenging terrain around.
Person you look up to most in the sport: All depends on what aspect of sport you are looking at . . . everyone has their story and their strengths.
On your iPod: Michael Franti, Tom Morello, Morcheeba.
Favourite movie: Right now, it’s Like a Lion. It’s a true story of a skier overcoming all odds.
Favourite hockey team: Vancouver Canucks, because I’m a born and bred B.C. boy.
Goals for 2011-12 season: Reconnect body, mind and soul.
If you could have dinner with anyone, living or dead, who would it be? Tough one. I'd have to say Glen Plake. He's the real deal - old school turned Jedi master of all things freestyle.
Something no-one knows about you: Pretty sure I've got no secrets.
Favourite activities other than skiing: Connecting with nature.
Superstitions: Numbers, maybe? No real reason other than I just like ’em.
If a movie was made about your life, who should play the lead role? I’d pick Johnny Depp.
What’s a talent you wish you had? Flying.
If you weren’t a skier what would you be? Doing something else fun.
Funniest thing you’ve seen in ski racing: The look on people’s faces when I take the occasional super digger.
Most embarrassing moment: The list is long . . . and my memory is selective.
Describe yourself in three words: Playful human being.
Podiums
1st - Super-G - Panorama, B.C. (March 2012)
2nd - Giant slalom - Arta Terme, ITA (2011)
3rd - Super combined - Sestriere, ITA (2010)
3rd - Slalom - Abtenau, AUT (2010)
1st - Downhill - Whistler, B.C. (2009)
2010 Paralympic Winter Games - Whistler, B.C.
2nd - Slalom
5th - Downhill
13th - Super-G
TELUS Canadian Para-Alpine Championships
2010 Canadian champion in giant slalom
2009 Canadian champion in giant slalom and slalom
2008 Canadian champion in giant slalom and slalom
2007 Canadian champion in giant slalom and super-G
IPC World Championships
5th - Downhill - Sestriere, ITA (2011)
8th - Super-G - Sestriere, ITA (2011)
10th - Super combined - Sestriere, ITA (2011)
7th - Giant slalom - Sestriere, ITA (2011)
5th- Super-G - High1, KOR (2009)
16th - Super-G - High1, KOR (2009)
6th - Giant slalom - High1, KOR (2009)
1st - Downhill - High1, KOR (2009)
