Canadian Alpine Ski Team (C.A.S.T.) Member Bios
Diana Haight-Arn  *1981 Europa Cup Overall Champion*1984 Canadian Downhill Champion *1984 Olympian Sarajevo *1986 Nor-Am Slalom Champion *1986 Nor-Am Overall Champion *1986 4th World Cup Super-G, Furano, Japan Diana is currently living in Switzerland with her husband, Thomas and daughter, Sierra. She completed a commerce degree in International Trade and Accounting and is now president of her own international sales agency. During most of the ski season Diana is at international trade shows in Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Toronto and New York. It hurts the days on snow ratio but she likes it! 
Graydon Oldfield * Graydon Oldfield is an accomplished athlete competing as a member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team for four years. In March of 1997, he was crowned the Canadian Downhill and Combined Champion. Five days later, Graydon suffered a severe knee injury ending his career as a World Cup Ski racer. * Graydon is celebrating his eighth anniversary with ScotiaMcLeod. He is now an Associate Director and is the Branch Manager for ScotiaMcLeod covering Barrie-Muskoka-Collingwood Highlights * Canadian Alpine Ski Team Alumni * Competed on the World Cup tour with the Canadian Speed Team * 1997 Canadian DH Champion * 1997 Canadian Combined (DH and SL) Champion * Nor-Am Super-G Finals - 1st Place 1996 * US Junior Olympics DH - 2nd Place 1996 * Toronto Ski Club Honourary Member * National Ski Academy Alumni * On camera colour commentator for World Cup Ski coverage on SportsNet and TSN * On camera colour commentator for 1998 Canada Winter Games - TSN Volunteer Work * Past Chairman, Alpine Ontario South Division (Grass Roots Alpine Skiing in Southern Ontario) * Director, Athlete Ombudsman, Alpine Ontario Alpin Board of Directors * Member - Rotary Club of Barrie * MacLaren Art Centre - Capital Campaign, Annual Black Tie event etc. * Actively involved in raising awareness and funds for Multiple Sclerosis * Host and founder, "Swine and Dine" Pig Roast for MS * Ambassador, Biogen Idec Snow Express for MS Todd Brooker  *Born November 24, 1959 in Waterloo, Ontario. Learned to ski and race out of Blue Mountain Resort/Toronto Ski Club -- Join Georgian Peaks Club in 1988*Member of the Canadian National Ski team from 1977 until 1987 and was part of famous racing group "The Crazy Canucks" along with teammates Steve Podborski, Ken Read, Dave Irwin and Dave Murray, known for all their all or nothing "Go For It" style of skiing. *Won 3 World Cup downhill Titles: - Kitzbuhel, Austria 1983 - Aspen, Colorado 1983 - Furano, Japan 1985 *Ranked #1 Downhill Skier in the World by the International Ski Federation (FIS) in 1983 and 1984 *Member of the 1984 Canadian Olympic Team who race in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. Finished in 8th place in downhill competition. *Underwent 22 operations due to injuries suffered through racing career including 3 reconstructive knee surgeries and 13 arthroscopic procedures. Suffered career ending fall in Kitzbuhel, Austria in January 1987 *Recipient of the Johnny F. Bassett Memorial Award for a Canadian Athlete who represents their country as an Ambassador in Sport *Raised $4.5 million for Ronald McDonald Children's Charities through National event series of "Todd Brooker Ski Challenges" from 1986 through 1997 *Currently Director of the Miele Future Champions Program since 2004, working with young ski racers to motivate and inspire enthusiasm for skiing and ski racing through video and event days at ski areas throughout the province. *Works as the exclusive ski analyst for NBC's Olympic and World Championship skiing broadcasts - past events include the 2002 Salt Lake Olympic Games, 2001 and 2003 World Alpine Championship events - under contract for World Alpine Ski Championships and Winter Olympic Games through 2010 *Since retirement from competition, has worked as color commentator for ESPN, ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX and Turner Sports television in the USA *Worked as color commentator for Olympic Coverage for TSN in 1988 and CTV in 1992 and 1994 in Norway - Hosted travel show "Passport for Skiing" from 1990 to 1993 - Produced and hosted "Ski Tips" for Coors Light form 1991 to 1994 Married in 1984, father of 3 girls (including twins). Wife Lisa and family reside on a farm west of Thornbury/Clarksburg, Ontario. Liisa Savijarvi  CAST 1981 - 1988After being introduced to skiing at 14 months of age, Liisa's love of skiing and talent in the sport has allowed her to travel from her hometown of Bracebridge, ON to Mountains far and wide. As a graduate of the Alpine Ontario programs, Liisa went on to represent Canada in international competition, including Olympics, consecutive World Championships in 1985 & 1987 and full World Cup seasons from 1982 to 1987. Career highlights include a World Cup victory in Japan, a top ten result at the Olympics in Sarajevo (1984) and numerous podium finishes. Liisa's technical ability allowed her to find success racing Downhill, Super G and Giant Slalom events. However, a serious injury forced her to retire from racing, but not the sport! Liisa started the 'Ski Escape' programs in 1989, was inducted to Canada's Honour Roll of Skiing in 1997, and now you will find Liisa coaching ski programs for adults and corporate group across the country... or on Bay Street sharing the love of skiing with her 3 yr. old daughter Lily! Career highlights include: 1st place - World Cup Super G - Furano JPN, 1986 2nd place - World Cup DH - Bad Gastein, AUT, 1986 3rd place - World Cup Combined - St Gervais, FRA, 1984 3rd place - World Cup Super G - Vail, USA, 1986 8th place - Olympic GS - Sarajevo, 1984 5th place - World Championships GS, 1985 Over 10 top 5 finishes - World Cup Over 20 top 10 finishes - World Cup Overall World Cup ranking - #2 Super G standings - 1986 - # 5 Downhill standings - 1986 Level II - CSIA Level III - CSCF Anglea Gougeon  Angela was born in Sudbury Ontario. She skied with the Adanac Laurentian Ski Club, Northern Ontario Ski Division until 1977; Burke Mountain Academy, VT (1977-1979) Racing in Eastern USA and NorAm; National Development Squad and Ontario Ski Team (1980-1981) Racing NorAm and the National Ski Team (1982) World Cup Downhill. She has her CSIA Level III Coach; CSIA Level III Instructor and NCCP Level II. She graduated with her MBA from the University of Toronto in 1995 and obtained a BA Economics from Laurentian University in 1986. She currently works as a Mortgage Broker. Angela and her spouse Michael Comeau have two children Lucy and Martine. 
Edi Podivinsky  *World Jr. Champion, 1989*5 times Canadian champion -- Downhill and Combined *Nor Am Champion *World Cup champion Saalbach 1994 *Olympic Bronze Lillehammer, 1994 *Olympic 5th in 1998 *4 times Olympian 
Brian Stemmle  *Canadian Alpine Ski Team*4 time Olympian Career Highlights: *1998/99 - 1st place National Alpine Ski Championships, Nanaimo, BC *1997/98 - Canadian Olympic Team Member - Nagano, Japan - 10th place World Cup, Val Gardena, Italy - 9th place World Cup, Bormio, Italy *1995/96 - 2nd place Downhill in World Cup race, Garmish, Germany - 3rd place FIS, Bardonecchia, Italy - 3rd place National Cup, Mont Ste Anne, Quebec - 5th place Downhill at the World Championships, Sierra Nevada, Spain *1994/95 - 1st place Super G in Nor Am, Blackcomb, BC - 1st place Super G at Canadian Championships, Mont Ste Anne, Quebec - 2nd place Downhill at Canadian Championships, Mont Ste Anne, Quebec - 3rd place Nor Am, Whitefish, USA - Canadian Team Member, Lillehammer, Norway *1993/94 - 45th place Downhill in World Cup race, Kitzbuehel, Austria - return to Hahnenkahm race for the first time since near-fatal crash '89 *1992/93 - 17th place Downhill in World Cup race, Val Gardena, Italy - 18th place Downhill in World Cup race, Garmisch, Germany *1991/92 - 4th place Downhill in World Cup Downhill, Garmisch, Germany - 9th place Downhill in Europa Cup, Wengen, Switzerland - 2nd place Downhill in Nor Am, Fernie, BC - 3rd place Downhill in FIS, Winter Park, USA - Canadian Olympic Team Member, Albertville, France *1990/91 - Won Gold Medal, Downhill at Pan Am winter Games, Las Lenas, Argentina - *first official race back after injury - 10th place Downhill in World Cup race after returning to the circuit, Val D'Isere, France - 15th place Downhill in World Cup, Val Gardena, Italy - 14th place Downhill in World Cup, Lake Louise, Alberta *1988/89 - Injured January 14th, 1989 at Kitzbuehel, Austria *1986-88 - 3rd place Downhill in World Cup, Val Gardena, Italy, 12/87 - Canadian Olympic Team Member, Calgary, Alberta - 7th place Downhill in World Cup, Val Gardena, Italy - won Europa Cup in Puy-St-Vincent, France '86 - First year on National Team, 85/86 *1983-85 - US National Downhill Champion - Overall North American Downhill Champion - 3rd place World Cup Super G, Furano, Japan - 1983 Ontario Downhill Champion Background: Brian's rise to prominence on the World Cup circuit was quicker than any Canadian skier before him. His incredible natural talent made him the 7th ranked in downhill in the world in just two short seasons. Then in 1989 Brian experienced a near-fatal crash while racing at Kitzbuehel, Austria when his skis got caught in the netting at the treacherous Steilhang section of the race. His accident was among the worst in ski racing history. Brian's story continues to be an inspiration to all Canadians because in 1991, after spending over three months recovering in hospital and countless hours of rehabilitation, Brian returned to the World Cup circuit and won gold medal at the Pan Am winter Games. On January 15th, 1994 -- exactly five years since his crash -- Brian closed the book on Kitzbuehel by racing Hahnenkahm again, the mountain that nearly killed him. In July 1999, Brian announced his retirement from competitive racing after 14 years on the Canadian Alpine Ski Team. "I put my heart into ski racing for 14 years and have made so many great friends. I have been able to experience the highs and some of the lows of competing on the edge". His four Olympic appearances (1988 Calgary, 1992 Albertville, 1994 Lillehammer, 1998 Nagano) is unmatched by any other Canadian skier in history. His career accomplishments include 11 top 10 World Cup finishes. Three of these were podium finishes with his best career finish being 2nd at the World Cup in Garmisch, Germany in 1996. In Canada Brian made it to the podium six times at the Canadian Championships. "The time is right for me to move on to other things I have always been interested in. There are a lot of opportunities out there for me to pursue and succeed at". Brian will now focus his energies in doing colour commentary for Rogers Sportsnet on its broadcasts of World Cup skiing and public speaking John Mealey  John grew up in the hot bed of ski racers and hockey players in the Northern Ontario city of Sault Ste. Marie. Coached by his infamous father Brian, John enjoyed a successful racing career with several podium finishes on the Europa Cup and Nor-Am circuit and with many top 30 World Cup results. John was also the Canadian Downhill Champion at Lake Louise in 1994. He also competed 3 times in the grueling 24 Hours of Aspen with partner Ian Sullivan. Throughout Johns racing career he was known for his technical ability and while it is has not been confirmed he may have coined the term "work hard, play harder". Since retiring from competitive skiing in 1996 John continued in the sport as Head Coach at Craigleith Ski Club and was instrumental in bringing several innovative philosophies that are still in place today. In 1998 John embarked on a career in the commercial finance industry and although this direction began as a large shift from past endeavors John learned the business quickly and within 5 years successfully managed over $200M in assets with one of the largest banks in the world. John is now Vice President of Structured Lending with LiftCapital Corporation which was formed in 2003 with the top executives of predecessor companies and is well poised for continued growth in the commercial finance industry. John recently completed his term as Chairman of AOA which under his leadership has witnessed unprecedented growth in terms of sponsorship, fundraising and athletic performance. Going into the role of Past Chairman, John will continue to sit on the AOA Board and will be relinquishing his position on the Alpine Canada Alpin Board. Johns philosophy of ski racing is simple; our kids need to have a passion for something in life and skiing happens to be a sport that naturally generates passion and regardless of how far they make it in the sport it is the Peaks job to introduce this sport in a manner that generates passion and develops a long term love for the sport and for the Club. John has been a volunteer coach at the Peaks since 2000, usually taking a Nancy Greene team. The 2008 team is showing great promise and is about the most well rounded and keen group of kids ever assembled. Look out for these little speedsters! Sue Mealey (formerly Kirby) is also an avid skier and great supporter and long term member of the Peaks community and is the Ontario Sales Agent for Descente Ski Wear. Jake Mealey (born in 1998) enjoys skiing and racing tremendously and is on a Nancy Greene team at the Peaks. Karen Stemmle  Karen is a successful 5 year member of the Canadian Alpine Ski Team and her list of accomplishments include Provincial, Canadian & North American Champion, numerous top 5 finishes on the World Cup Circuit & finishing 11th overall in the world during one ski season. Her specialty was the Downhill Racing Event where she reached speeds of up to 140 km per hour. One of Karen's many highlights in her life was proudly representing Canada at the winter Olympics in Sarajevo, Yugoslavia. She also reached the provincial level in water-skiing & figure skating. Always one to tackle a challenge, Karen has acquired her private pilot's license & enjoys scuba diving & riding her Harley. Speaking of challenges, this is the biggest one yet. Karen is a very proud Mom of 3 little ones - 4 ½ year old Sydney, 2 year old Luke & 6 month old Riley! You'll see Karen at Georgian Peaks where she's been a life-long member & on slopes across Canada skiing with her little ones or doing something she loves for 20 years & teaching children, adults & corporate groups all of the tricks learned in 40+ years on snow.
Greg Grossman  *4 times in the top 3 at Canadian National Championships.*Overall Nor Am Slalom Champion *Competed in 2 World Championships *Competed in the 1988 Calgary Olympics *National Ski Team, 18 years old *National Developement Ski Team at 16 years old *Hometown: Ancaster, Ontario *Member of the Georgian Peaks Ski Club since 7 years old. *Graduated from the University of Western Ontario -- BA *Presently Head Coach Peaks/Osler/Alpine FIS Team *Dryland Coordinator for the Olympic Men's Ski Team *Living in Collingwood with wife Patti and year old twin girls Jim Kirby *Member of the Canadian Alpine Technical Team: 1979 - 1985 *US National Overall Champion: 1980 *North American Overall Slalom Champion: 1983 (NorAms) *Canadian Overall Champion: 1984 *Member of the 1983 World Championship Team: 1983 Currently: Partner, Properties for a division of Publicis Canada (Canada's Number 1 Communications Company) |
