Fulfilling a Dream

Andrée Janyk has been involved with ski racing, in many capacities, almost as long as she can remember. As an athlete, she first raced the Dave Murray Downhill on Whistler Mountain in 1968.  A parent of two national ski team members – one an Olympian – Janyk’s been on the hill for many nervous moments. 

Supporting her children’s Olympic aspirations can be trying at times. Janyk describes watching their races as somewhere between exciting and nerve-wracking. As a former Canadian national ski team member, she knows how important it is to be there for them. “You want (your children) to do well, but you also want them to race safely. I enjoy being there, contributing to their successes.” 

And contribute she does.  Having volunteered on alpine events since the 1980s, Janyk has found the inspiration to help Canadian athletes be the best they can be. After moving back to BC from Europe where she was studying and coaching, Janyk has volunteered in virtually every role an alpine event has to offer, from slip crew to gate judge.  She describes volunteering as a way to learn more about sport, meet new people, and help young athletes achieve their dreams. “When you volunteer on something like a World Cup, your knowledge grows immensely. You see
first-hand the meticulous care that goes into preparing the course. You’re helping our Canadians to be the best they can be,” said Janyk. “I can’t think of anything better to do in the time leading up to the 2010 Winter Games.”

Janyk’s father, who recently passed away, would have been proud of his daughter and grandchildren. He put the first ski lifts in at Whistler and was a part of the bids for two previous Olympic Games – in 1968 and 1976. He lived long enough to give his daughter a thumbs-up when Whistler and Vancouver were chosen to host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2010.

“My kids remember and honour their grandfather when they race,” said Janyk. “When I’m standing on a ski hill as part of a volunteer team, I feel like I’m realizing his dream.” 

That dream, to showcase Canada and its athletes to the rest of the world, dwells in the hearts of volunteers in Whistler and beyond.