Steve Omischl

Steve was taught to ski by his Austrian-born mother when he was 3 years old. At age 13, he watched the 1994 Olympics and was inspired by Jean-Luc Brassard, Lloyd Langlois, Phil Laroche and Nico Fontaine. That same year, he met local freestyle coaches in his hometown of North Bay, who encouraged him to attend a water ramp camp. When he first saw aerial skiing live, he knew it was what he wanted to do.

Steve has placed on the podium at 40 World Cup events, and claimed 20 titles. He is a four-time overall World Cup champion and had the best season—eight podiums, including six golds, in nine events in 2007-08—by any athlete in the history of his sport. He has also competed in three Olympic Games.

Steve believes his evolution from athlete to coach was a natural progression, with his intimate knowledge of the sport. He worked as a part-time coach with the Australian aerial team for one year before assuming a full-time coaching role with Canada in 2012.