Alex Harvey Named 2019 John Semmelink Memorial Award Recipient

Semmelink Award considered the highest recognition in Canadian snow sports

**Vancouver –**Alex Harvey wrapped up a stellar cross-country ski career that saw him represent Canada at three Olympic Winter Games, win five World Championship medals, including two gold, and 32 World Cup podiums when he crossed the finish line at the World Cup Finals in Quebec City last month.

In recognition of his remarkable career and outstanding leadership on and off the snow, the Canadian Snowsports Association has named Harvey as the recipient of the 2019 John Semmelink Memorial Award, which is awarded to the Canadian snow sport athlete who best represents Canada in international sport through integrity, conduct and ability.

The St-Ferréol-les-Neiges, Que. resident has been one of the leaders Canada’s National Ski Team over the last decade, and one of the leading faces in Canada’s Olympic sport community. The 30-year-old has always found time to work with the next generation of skiers, playing an important role in mentoring younger athletes as Nordiq Canada looks to develop the next generation of champions.

Recognized around the world for demonstrating professionalism and respect for competing under the rules of fair sport, Harvey has been a model for achieving excellence in his athletic and personal life while balancing his pursuit of the international podium with chasing a degree in Law.

Throughout his career Harvey been one of Canada’s most candid voices, speaking openly about the highs and lows of high-performance sport, and on clean sport. His conduct and achievements have garnered respect around the world by fans, commentators and most notably his competitors.

Putting a fairytale ending to his memorable career, Harvey posted back-to-back silver medals in his final two World Cup races, delighting the hometown crowd by

rocking the famed Plains of Abraham in Quebec City with an emotional farewell in front of more than and 40,000 boisterous Canadian cross-country ski fans.

The John Semmelink award is considered the most prestigious award in Canadian snow sports. Named in honour of John Semmelink, who lost his life in a training accident while competing in Garmisch, Germany, the award was first presented in 1962. Alex Harvey’s father, Pierre Harvey, was named winner of the Semmelink award in 1985, 1987 and 1988.

The athlete representatives of the six Olympic and Paralympic disciplines of the Canadian Snowsports Association may name a candidate for consideration, with a Selection Committee naming the winner.

The 2019 John Semmelink Memorial Award will be presented this autumn as part of the Induction Ceremonies for the Canadian Skiing Hall of Fame.