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Canadian skier dedicates his gold medal to brother with cerebral palsy

Sarah Hofmann Contributor
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Canadian skier Alex Bilodeau has more than just the usual athletic drive to push him further. He also has the support and inspiration of his brother Frederic, who suffers from cerebral palsy.

Alex had what many consider a “perfect run” on Monday to bring a gold home in moguls, making him the first freestyle skier to win two Olympic gold medals. The minute he nailed the course, he skied over to his brother in the stands and hoisted him up in a huge hug.

Winner Canada's Alex Bilodeau embraces brother Frederic after men's freestyle skiing moguls competition at 2014 Sochi Winter Olympic Games in Rosa

Frederic was visibly delighted at his brother’s success. Alex told Reuters, “When I’m on my skis my colleagues are my inspiration, they are pushing me every day to be a better skier, to go faster, to go bigger. But a four-year process is very long, and when I wake up in the morning it’s my brother.”

Alex draws on Frederic’s strength every day, saying, “Every little thing in life is hard for him, whether it’s going from his seat to go and see me here, walking in the snow, it takes so much energy, it’s very hard. I always complain, and he has every reason in the world to complain and he never does. And why is that? He enjoys life, he takes the best out of it.”

Alex said he plans on retiring after this season. He will focus on accounting, and already has a sponsorship with KPMG.

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