Hall of Famer
Rob Boyd
Rob Boyd’s 12-year World Cup career peaked with a dramatic win in Whistler in 1989, when he became the first Canadian man to capture a World Cup race on home snow.
Rob represented Canada at three Olympic Winter Games and six world championships. He qualified for Calgary 1988, Albertville 1992 and Lillehammer 1994, but due to injury was unable to compete in 1992. He raced in 1988 and 1994. Over his career, he finished in the points (top 30) in 28 World Cup races, including six podium finishes and three victories.
Before joining the national team, Rob was a member of the B.C. Ski Team in 1983 and 1984. Strong performances earned him a spot on the national development team in 1985, marking the start of his international career.
After retiring from World Cup competition in February 1997, Rob spent three seasons on the pro downhill circuit and worked as a freeskier and stunt performer in films by DesLauriers Films, Warren Miller, Greg Stump Productions and Fuji Film.
Following his racing career, Rob took on a coaching position with the Canadian national women’s speed team, which brought him to three more Olympic Games as a coach: Salt Lake City 2002, Turin 2006 and Vancouver/Whistler 2010. After the 2010 Games, with two young boys at home with his wife Sherry, he stepped away from international travel to focus on family. He then became athletic director at the Whistler Mountain Ski Club, one of Canada’s largest and most successful ski clubs, a position he held until 2018.
In the fall of 2017, Rob began studying for his residential real estate licence and since 2018 has been working with Engel & Völkers Whistler. His passion for connecting discerning clients with the lifestyles and homes they desire has grown over the years. His wife Sherry is now also a licensed Realtor, and together they have formed the Boyd Team.
Rob’s achievements as a World Cup downhill racer, Olympian, coach, mentor and later as a community leader cement his legacy in Canadian ski racing.
CAREER HIGHLIGHTS
- 1984 — B.C. Athlete of the Year
- 1986 — 1st, World Cup downhill, Val Gardena, Italy; B.C. Athlete of the Year; Canadian Athlete of the Month (December)
- 1987 — 1st, World Cup downhill, Val Gardena, Italy
- 1988 — 3rd, World Cup downhill, Val Gardena, Italy; 16th, Olympic Winter Games downhill, Calgary; Canadian Sports Excellence Award
- 1990 — 1st, World Cup downhill, Whistler, B.C.; 2nd, World Cup downhill, Val Gardena, Italy
- 1991 — 3rd, World Cup downhill, Kitzbühel, Austria; 1st, Canadian championships, super-G; Premier’s Athletic Award (B.C.)
- 1993 — 4th, World Cup downhill, Val Gardena, Italy (two races at same venue)
- 1996 — 1st, Canadian championships, downhill
- 1997 — Inducted as honorary board member, World Ski & Snowboard Festival
- Named Canadian Male Skier of the Year four times by Ski Racing magazine
Note: Information compiled from several sources; may not include all accomplishments. © Canadian Ski Museum & Hall of Fame. For personal/educational use only. All rights reserved.
Rob Boyd. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
Rob Boyd. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
Rob Boyd. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
On December 12, 1987 in Val Gardena, Italy, Rob Boyd became the World’s youngest World Cup winner in over ten years. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
Rob Boyd. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
Rob Boyd at 1988 Olympic Winter Games in Calgary, Alberta. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
Rob Boyd wins gold in World Cup downhill at Val Gardena, Italy, 1987 with teammate Brian Stemmle in third. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
On December 12, 1987 in Val Gardena, Italy, Rob Boyd became the World’s youngest World Cup winner in over ten years. Photo: Alpine Canada Alpin.
National Alpine Ski Team 1986 [back row]: Glenn Wurtele (coach), Don Stevens, Rob Boyd, Todd Brooker, Mike Tommy, Carl Pettersen (fitness co-ordinator) [middle row]: Diana Haight, Andréa Bédard, Felix Belczyk, Chris Kent, Jim Read, Brian Stemmle, Kellie Casey [bottom row]: Karen Percy, Josée Lacasse, Laurie Graham, Karen Stemmle, Liisa Savijarvi. Alpine Canada Alpin.
Men’s National Alpine Ski Team 1986 [L to R]: Brian Stemmle, Rob Boyd, Gary Athans, Chris McIver, Dan Moar, Mike Carney, Rob Bosinger, Todd Brooker, Chris Kent, Don Stevens, Felix Belczyk. Alpine Canada Alpin.
National Alpine Ski Team 1986 [back row]: Paul Boivin, Chris Kent, Don Stevens, Felix Belczyk, Daniel Moar, Gary Athans [front row]: Brian Stemmle, Chris McIver, Scott Shaver, Jim Kirby, Rob Boyd, Todd Brooker. Alpine Canada Alpin.
Men’s National Alpine Ski Team 1987-88 [top row]: Felix Belczyk, Peter Bosinger, Rob Bosinger, Rob Boyd [bottom row]: Mike Carney, Rob Crossan, Greg Grossman, Dan Moar. Alpine Canada Alpin.
Rob Boyd wins downhill (Whistler, 1989)
How Rob Boyd Made Downhill Skiing History On His Home Mountain | Hometown Hockey | SPORTSNET
Whistler resident Rob Boyd made downhill skiing history on his home mountain. It’s a moment that is still talked about and celebrated in the community today.
The Boyd Team
The genesis of the next chapter for the Boyd family.
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