 |
 |
Date of Birth: 20/04/77 |
Place of Birth: Victoria, BC |
Residence: Pemberton, BC |
Height: 5'8" |
Weight: 155 lbs |
Mike Michalchuk, regarded as arguably the most spectacular and most daring halfpipe rider in the world, heads to his second Olympic Games having qualified for the team at the cut-off date on January 13. He reached the final at the Nagano Games and placed eighth.
This season he has been somewhat inconsistent although he has posted three top-10 results to stand eighth overall in the World Cup halfpipe standings. That includes a bronze at the World Cup stop this past December in Whistler.
Michalchuk was the first to land a double backflip in the halfpipe and he invented another trick that's now in his name. He also landed one of the richest sponsorship deals in snowboarding with Nike reported at $1 million for three years.
"He is just an amazing rider," said Canadian national team coach Tom Hutchison. "He certainly stands a great chance to win the gold medal."
What Canada Did
Feb. 11: Mike Michalchuk, Calgary, was 27th in a field of 33, eliminated.
Mike Michalchuk Pictures
Michalchuk soars above the halfpipe
More Mike Michalchuk Stories
Mellow 'boarders waxed and ready
2002 Games Snowboarding Coverage
