Chalk up another win for the Panda.
For the first time in his 18-year career, Banff’s Jan Hudec has been named Alberta Athlete of the Year. Hudec won bronze in the super-G at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, breaking Alpine Canada’s 20-year medal drought at the Games.
“It’s definitely a huge honour. Alberta has a high concentration of high level athletes, because so many come here to train and live. It’s pretty humbling. I’m thankful to Alberta Sport Connection for the award and Alberta Alpine for nominating me,” Hudec said.
Still on the familiar road to recovery, Hudec underwent knee surgery in January and plans to be on the start line in Lake Louise next November.
“Since the surgery it’s been pretty good. The first month was brutal, but in the last few weeks I’m starting to see the light at the end of the tunnel. There’s been nothing strange about this recovery. It’s the same journey with different scenery,” Hudec said.
He’s already begun preparing for next season, working out in Calgary and spending time with his new son. He’s also extra motivated after watching teammate Dustin Cook medal at world championships.
“In the past when I hurt myself, I didn’t get up and watch the races. I stayed away because I had so much going on. This time, I still had plenty to do, but couldn’t stay away from the TV. (watching Cook) was a huge motivation,” Hudec said.
Hudec will head to Europe shortly to train, and will miss the acceptance dinner in Banff on April 24, and unfortunately the Bozo Cup.
He credits his parents, Alpine Canada and sponsors for sticking by him throughout his career, and said they deserve a part of the award.
Cross Country Canada ParaNordic coach Robin McKeever was also recognized for his season. McKeever has been head coach of the ParaNordic program since 2010 and oversaw another successful year by Team Canada, anchored again by another unbeaten streak by his brother Brian McKeever and guides Erik Carleton and Graham Nishikawa.
“To be nominated in Alberta is a big deal. There is a deep pool of strong coaches in this province and it’s a bit of a shock to receive this. I have to thank Cross Country Alberta for nominating me” McKeever said.
Not one to seek out the spotlight, McKeever said the credit should go to his athletes, who won multiple world cup medals on the ParaNordic circuit.
“The results of the athletes is the telltale sign,” McKeever said. “We’re really trying to do what we can for the athletes. That’s the main focus overall.”
After a successful individual career which included a spot in the 1998 Olympic Winter Games, McKeever began guiding younger brother Brian in 2001. By 2007, he began to transition into coaching, and when a knee injury sidelined him from competition, he became the team’s full-time head coach in 2010.
He’s happy with the year his team produced, and said more results are coming.
“Brian progressed really well in the para-world. Chris Klebl was on par and Mark Arendz had a learning year. He’ll be back stronger next year. We also have some new athletes on the horizon which will be the backbone of the team in 2018.
The awards will be presented on April 24 at the 2015 Alberta Sport Leadership Conference in Banff.
