Calgary, Alta. (June 6, 2018) – After six years with the Canada Ski Cross team, Ian Deans (Kelowna, B.C.) has announced his retirement. Deans was first introduced to ski cross while at University and was instantly hooked. Pursuing the Nor-Am Cup circuit in between University courses and tests, Deans skied to the overall Nor-Am Cup title winner in the 2012 season. Continuing to pursue ski cross, Deans was invited to ski with the Canada Ski Cross World Cup team for the 2015-16 season and claimed eight top-30 World Cup finishes. In his final season (2017-18) with the team, Deans achieved a personal-best fifth-place World Cup finish, making the small final for the first time in his career.

“The past six years have been filled with competition, travel, and assiduous work,” said Deans. “It is way past what I thought I was physically and mentally capable of. What a ride that has been. I am beyond honoured to have represented Canada on the World Cup stage and truly humbled by the support I have received along the way. Thank you to the best teammates in the world, the team of extraordinary service men, coaches from Big White Racers to the Canadian National Team, sponsors and donors, my family and my dedicated and supportive wife.”

"I have had the opportunity and pleasure to watch Ian grow as an athlete over the last seven years as he progressed from the Nor-Am Cup circuit to the World Cup level,” said Stanley Hayer, Head Coach, Canada Ski Cross. “Ian has developed into a World Cup contender through hard-work and dedication in all aspects of the sport from physical to technical to mental. His positive mind-set was leading him to success not only in the ski world but also in life, where I know he will be a positive influence on all that cross his path. “

Now, with life experience from travelling across the world with the world’s best ski cross team, and a University education, Deans will be looking towards the next steps. At 27-years-old, Deans has already accomplished big things and believes this won’t be the last of his skiing career.

“Skiing made me who I am today,” said Deans. “It’s all I have ever known and needless to say, transition out of this sport will be difficult. Thankfully, doors have opened and future endeavors await, endeavors that require a shift in my focus. It’s for this reason that I have decided to take a step back from skiing. This doesn’t mean my involvement in skiing stops here, but for now my race boots are staying in the basement.”

"I had the opportunity to meet Ian and see him progress from his teen years in alpine racing to a solid contender on the ski cross World Cup circuit,” said David Ellis, Interim Athletic Director, Canada Ski Cross. “Ian always brought a positive energy to the team and I always enjoyed talking Sport Science with him as he has chosen a path in his post-athletic career that is similar to my own.  I wish Ian continued success in his professional career life and know he will be successful as his attention to detail and professionalism is evident in all aspects of his daily life."

Congratulations, Ian on a great career! Alpine Canada wishes you the best of luck as you pursue a medical career in physical therapy and we hope to see you back in your ski boots soon!

ABOUT ALPINE CANADA

Alpine Canada is the governing body for alpine, para-alpine and ski cross racing in Canada, as well as for Canadian ski coaches, providing education, certification, insurance and compliance with the coaching code of conduct. With the support of valued corporate partners, along with the Government of Canada, Own the Podium, the Canadian Olympic Committee and the Coaching Association of Canada, Alpine Canada develops Olympic, Paralympic, World Championship and World Cup athletes to stimulate visibility, inspiration and growth in the ski community.