Calgary, Alta. (January 31, 2018) – Erik Guay (Mont-Tremblant, Que.), Canada’s most prolific ski racer of all time, has suffered from back pain all season. Despite tremendous effort on Guay’s part to recover and return to healthy form, he will not be able to attend the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, KOR due to continuing severe back pain.

Alpine Canada will miss one of Canada’s strongest leaders and determined athletes on the team, but wishes him well on his road to recovery. Guay has raced in three previous Olympic Games.

“It was an incredibly difficult decision to stay home from the Olympics,” said Guay. “Despite everything we did, I do not feel I can attend the Games and be at a competitive performance level that I would proud representing Canada with. I am so thankful for the support behind me. My family, fans and sponsors have been incredible to me and I cannot thank all of them enough for their never-ending backing. I will be cheering on all of Team Canada from home, especially my teammates at Alpine Canada.”

Alpine Canada will have 13 alpine athletes attending the Games and will have athletes racing in all disciplines, including downhill, super-G, alpine combined, giant slalom, slalom and the team event.

“It’s definitely disappointing to have Erik miss out on the Olympics and we know this was a difficult decision for him to make,” said Martin Rufener, Athletic Director, Alpine Canada. “He would certainly have been a medal contender if he was healthy. Despite Erik missing out, I’m very proud of the contingent of athletes we are sending to the Games and I know we will make Canada proud.”

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the national governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada. With the support of valued corporate partners along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium and the Canadian Olympic Committee, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, world championship and World Cup medallists to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.