NextGen racer represented Canada at 2018 Paralympic Games

Calgary, Alta. (May 15, 2019) – Having lived what he describes as “an experience like no other” when he represented his country and placed among the top para-alpine athletes in the world at the 2018 Paralympic Games in PyeongChang, Korea, Alex Cairns (Squamish, B.C./B.C. Adaptive Snowsports) is retiring from the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team.

The 27-year-old Cairns only started skiing in his late teens, and was selected to join Canada’s successful para-alpine ski program in 2016. During his three seasons with the team, Cairns was 10th and 14th in Paralympic Games’ racing, and notched a personal-best seventh-place finish in slalom racing at the 2019 IPC Para-Alpine World Championship in January.

“I have enjoyed a lot of highs and some lows, but I want to thank the team for bringing me on board and providing me with the opportunity to be involved in elite sport – travelling around the world to train and race,” said Cairns. “It is time to move on to the next chapter in my life; I’m not sure what that holds yet, but know that I can always be found up on the slopes.”

Cairns ended his career on a high note, capturing bronze in his final race – a slalom – at the 2019 Canadian Para-Alpine Championships held in Winter Park, Colorado, on March 30.

“On behalf of the on- and off-snow staff at Alpine Canada and the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team, I want to thank Alex for his commitment to our sport and to his personal growth as a member of the national team,” said Matt Hallat, athletic director for the Canadian Para-Alpine Ski Team. “We wish Alex all the best in his next adventures.”