The Sporting Life Athlete of the Year will be awarded to one male and one female athlete from alpine, one athlete (either male or female) from para and one athlete (either male or female) from ski cross.
The selection committee determines this award based on:
- Overall athletic performance quantified by podium finishes and overall standings.
- Dedication both on and off the snow with a passion to pursue all avenues of training to continually better performance both technically and physically.
- Demonstrates a strong sense of mentorship and/or leadership to the rest of their teammates.
- Champions of the sport through participation in events, and in engagement in ski club communities.
Justin Alkier rejoined the Ontario Ski Team for the 2022/23 season after completing his university schooling at Middlebury college competing on the NCAA circuit. As a senior member of the Ontario Ski Team, Justin served a role model and mentor to the younger athletes. Justin had high goals this season: achieving success at the Nor-Am level, and securing a spot on the world cup for 2023/24. He did just this and more. Justin won a Nor-Am slalom in beaver creek, and finished on the podium several other times. He finished 4th overall (2nd north American), which secured him his world cup position. He qualified in a time trial against the Canadian Ski Team athletes to earn a world cup start in Wengen Switzerland, which he unfortunately DNFed in difficult conditions. He went on to finish his season with a Canadian Championship Senior National Title in GS. He accomplished all this while continuing to keep a strong touchpoint with the Ontario series, where he helped create penalties for younger athletes to move up in the system. Justin’s story is one of determination, and perseverance.