A giant chessboard-sized, gold-plated silhouette of a skier mounted on polished granite is awarded to the top World Cup downhill skier in Chamonix, France.
The stylized French ski trophy is so bulky, it’s impossible to miss.
After Banff’s Jan Hudec won the prestigious title on Feb. 4, he had no room to stash the massive reward in his luggage. Instead, it ended up in his carry-on baggage, where it snapped off of its stone base.
Hudec, never one to slow down in the face of adversity, saw opportunity. He purchased a gold chain, attached it to the gold-plated skier, and wore it around his neck, Flavor Flav-style.
For a skier who was written off by most in the business time and time again, only to bounce back with increasingly brilliant performances, the move came naturally.
After wrapping up the best season of his career, finishing sixth in the world in super G rankings and ninth in downhill rankings, he’s taking time to reflect on his accomplishment.
“Validation is the word that comes to mind. The combination is intricate to what played a role in my success,” Hudec said.
Struck with seven knee surgeries and a bad back that kept him off of snow for much of the pre-season and a lack of funds that had him scrambling to pay team fees days before the first race of the season in Lake Louise, Hudec had to use every advantage at his disposal to succeed. Several friends and associates told him the risks were too great to continue – even his own mother.
“Her and I had a few fights for sure in the fall. I stuck to my guns. At the same time, I didn’t let it get me down too much, because I knew where she was coming from. I didn’t resent the people who told me to pack it in because, quite honestly, looking from the outside in, that made the most sense. But sometimes passion and destiny doesn’t make sense,” Hudec said.
He turned to his friends and supporters, exhausting all of his resources to get through the season.
“This year it was definitely a combination of absolutely everything under the sun, using every resource that I had. People joke about better living through pharmaceuticals and that had to be a part of it. I didn’t ski at all last summer because my back was so bad. It started with cortisone injections in my back, but if I wanted longevity in my career and body, I had to try something else.”
Aware that repeated cortisone shots reportedly weaken tendons and cartilage, he switched to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections in January, a relatively new treatment that basically triggers the body’s healing response.
“Basically it was a healthier alternative. No chemicals, no anestheic. I took that, did physio every day, changed my diet. Things came together to help me,” Hudec said.
The results fell into place quickly. At Lake Louise, Hudec shocked his fellow skiers and finished fourth in the super G. From there on, he never slipped out of the top 30 and cracked the top 10 seven times, culminating with his win at Chamonix. He was joined in the top five by teammates Erik Guay (bronze) and rookie Ben Thompson (fifth).
“Chamonix is the top, but it was also top for the team. Standing in the gates knowing he (Guay) was in there and coming down first was just exhilarating. Then waiting in the finish line and watching Ben come down from 50th to fifth was awesome. It was a really emotional day and vindication for myself and Erik getting in there and on the podium and Ben having a breakout. He was, in my opinion, one of the top rookies on the World Cup.”
Staying healthy only fed his confidence, and Hudec grew stronger throughout the year. That relieved the mental anguish he’d faced for most of his career.
“Coming back. The physical side brought the confidence. Your ability to come back from injury plays such a big role.
“Athletes who don’t come back from an injury, 20 per cent of the time it’s because the injury is too substantial. But most of the time it’s because it’s really hard to come back mentally and really feel like you’re 100 per cent again – and trust yourself. That’s really tough. For me, to feel good was the difference.”
He also garnered inspiration from his teammates and peers on the World Cup, emulating stars like 37-year-old Didier Cuche. He wants to ski for at least another three or four years as long as he stays competitive. Years of injuries mean the Banff skier is realistic about his mortality and legacy.
“Cuche just retired at 37 and was still winning races. I think it’s an amazing way to go. I don’t want to be at the point where I’m just hanging on.”
Despite his success, Hudec says his life hasn’t changed that much. He has more financial security and he gets recognized in German airports, however, he still has many regular problems.
“Life is the same. I still have to renovate my house. It’s falling to pieces. I still have to pay the bills. My car still breaks down every other day. Life still happens. But there’s a weight off my shoulders. It’s like removing a burden, knowing I could do it all the time, but coming against these struggles,” Hudec said.
Although he’s hardly ever recognized in Canada, he does have a growing number of young skiers emulating his moves.
“It’s funny. Sometimes I still feel humble. I remember when I was 11 or 12 and I was looking up to Pete and Rob Bosinger or Carey Mullen. At the same time, as you grow, everyone you look up to grows with you too. I remember being one of the younger guys on the tour thinking ‘I can’t believe I’m racing against Bode Miller… or Herman Maier.’ And then the day came where I was beating him, I thought ‘I can’t believe I beat Herman Maier.’ It’s not like you feel pity, but it’s the Canadian way. You feel a little sorry for doing that.”
While he knows young racers will push for his spot in the future, for now, Hudec is prepared to add more bling to his trophy case.
“For the first time I’m really excited about next season because of the potential. The future is bright, so put on some shades.”
