John Smart

John Smart enjoyed a long and distinguished competitive career in freestyle moguls skiing. He represented Canada on the national freestyle ski team from 1987 to 1996 and competed in two Winter Olympic Games — Albertville, France, in 1992 and Lillehammer, Norway, in 1994.

On the World Cup moguls circuit, John built an outstanding record, competing in 110 events and finishing in the top 10 a total of 65 times. He won 17 medals — two gold, five silver and 10 bronze — and reached the moguls finals at four world championships: 1989 in Oberjoch, Germany; 1991 in Lake Placid, N.Y.; 1993 in Altenmarkt-Zauchensee, Austria; and 1995 in La Clusaz, France. In World Cup overall standings, he placed second in 1993, fourth in 1995, and third in dual moguls in 1996.

After retiring from the World Cup circuit in 1996, John joined the pro mogul tour, where he collected three gold, three silver and two bronze medals. He claimed the pro world title in 1999.

In 1993, John was invited to chair the FIS freestyle athlete committee. As the voice of World Cup freestyle skiers, he lobbied for and achieved key changes in the sport. His efforts led to official voting recognition for athletes at the 1996 FIS Congress in Christchurch, New Zealand, which created separate subcommittees for each freestyle discipline. He stepped down in 1996.

Through SMS (Smart Mogul Skiing) camps, founded in 1992 and now the largest summer ski camp in North America, John has coached and inspired countless young skiers and adults. Many alumni went on to compete on the World Cup freestyle circuit and at the Winter Olympics, including Olympic champions Jennifer Heil and Dale Begg-Smith (Australia, formerly Canada). He also served as guest coach for several programs: the Blackcomb freestyle club (1994–96), the Nagano freestyle team (1994), Perisher Blue in Australia (1999), Tatry freestyle club in B.C. (2000), and as personal coach to Australian World Cup and Olympic skier Nick Cleaver.

He has received numerous honours, including the Premier’s Athletic Award in 1991 and 1993 and the 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Commemorative Medal in 1992.

Career Highlights

• 1987–1996 – Member of Canada’s national freestyle ski team
• 1992 – 5th place, Olympic Winter Games, Albertville, France
• 1994 – Competed, Olympic Winter Games, Lillehammer, Norway
• 110 World Cup starts; 65 top-10 finishes; 17 medals (2 gold, 5 silver, 10 bronze)
• World Cup overall standings: 2nd (1993), 4th (1995), 3rd dual moguls (1996)
• Finalist at four world championships (1989, 1991, 1993, 1995)
• 1996–1999 – Pro mogul tour: eight medals, including pro world title in 1999
• 1993–1996 – Chair, FIS freestyle athlete committee; secured athlete voting rights
• Founder of SMS (Smart Mogul Skiing) camps, North America’s largest summer ski camp
• Guest coach for clubs and teams in Canada, Japan and Australia; personal coach to Olympian Nick Cleaver
• Awards: Premier’s Athletic Award (1991, 1993); 125th Anniversary of the Confederation of Canada Commemorative Medal (1992)

Note: The information gathered in this biography was compiled from a number of sources; it may not be inclusive of all accomplishments. Copyright © Canadian Ski Hall of Fame & Museum. For personal and/or educational use only. All rights reserved.