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Date of Birth: 21/10/76 |
Place of Birth: Alma, QC |
Residence: Beauport, QC |
Height: 5'4" |
Weight: 138 lbs |
Years on National Team: 10 |
Mélanie Turgeon is proof that an athlete with natural talent and determination can make it to the top. The 25-year-old has overcome some lean
years in Canadian alpine skiing program to rocket to the world's elite and establish herself as Canada's top alpine skiing medal contender in
possibly three events at the Olympic Games: the women's downhill and super G and even perhaps the combined.
"(The success), is a culmination of the hard work I've done on the hill and physical training," said Turgeon. "This enables me to get better every
year. And I think being a North American makes you work twice as hard to overcome the travelling and cultural differences that exist overseas."
Last season Turgeon won four medals on the World Cup circuit and finished fourth overall in the super G standings and sixth in the downhill.
She is regaining top form this season after undergoing surgery for a sinus problem this past summer. Injuries have dogged Turgeon throughout
her career. She's had back problems, shin splints, a broken wrist and a concussion. Still she soldiers on.
She won her first World Cup race in February 2000 in Innsbruck placing first in a super G race, the first World Cup gold for a Canadian woman
since 1993. That season she was second overall in the super G standings.
Turgeon burst on the international scene in 1994 winnig five medals at the world junior championships just after not completing both her races at
the 1994 Olympics as a 17-year-old. She also raced in Nagano in 1998 and was 20th in the super G.
What Canada Did
Feb. 17 - Women's Super G: Melanie Turgeon, Quebec City, was 20th
Feb. 12 - Downhill: Melanie Turgeon, Quebec City, placed eighth of 39 finalists
Melanie Turgeon Photos
Melanie Turgeon crosses the finish line
Melanie Turgeon looks up at her time
More Melanie Turgeon Stories
Turgeon's emotional slide
Women ski team heading to Europe as a team
Turgeon terrific, finishes fourth
Turgeon's making a fast return
Sinus operation clears Turgeon's head
More Turgeon Headlines
2002 Games Alpine Skiing Coverage
Official Mélanie Turgeon site
