POSTED: January 20th 2012
NewsUpdate
Canadian snowsports mourning the sudden death of team member Sarah Burke
LAURA WALDEN in INNSBRUCK / Sports Features Communications
INNSBRUCK/VANCOUVER: Canadian freestyle skier Sarah Burke, 29, tragically passed away yesterday after a training accident in Park City, Utah. Sarah was well known for helping to get superpipe accepted onto the Olympic program.
Burke was originally from Whistler, British Columbia and was married to another freestyle skier, Rory Bushfield.
The accident caused brain damage brought on by a lack of blood and oxygen after cardiac arrest.
A pioneer and a role model, she had thought ahead to donate her organs and tissues as reported by her publicist, Nicole Wool.
The Canadian Snowsports Association (CSA) has issued the following statement on the passing of their Canadian National Halfpipe Team member:
The Canadian Snowsports Association was saddened to learn today of the passing of Sarah Burke, a true icon of our sport.
Sarah without doubt was not only a leader in the sport of freestyle skiing who paved the way for the introduction of half-pipe ski and slope style into the forefront of snow sports as well as into the 2014 OWG, but was a role model for women of all ages.
"The skiing community has lost an amazing athlete and a wonderful person who will long be remembered for her talent and passion for the sport. Sarah's memory will live on in the many young skiers, particularly young women, who she inspired throughout her career" said Chris Robinson, President of the CSA.
Steve Podborski, Vice-President of the CSA noted that “Sarah’s enthusiasm and genuine friendliness set her into the role of an athlete who was not only emulated on the ski hills but as a role model in life. She was pursuing her passion when she was taken from us and I can only hope that her family and friends can take some solace from that.”
The CSA extends its heartfelt condolences to Sarah's husband, family and friends as well as to the entire sports community who are also grieving the loss of this remarkable young lady.
Canadian Olympic Committee head, Marcel Aubut, also issued a statement:
“Today, Canada and the world lost a wonderful athlete and a great Canadian ambassador in freestyle skier Sarah Burke. Sarah was a true inspiration to all who had the privilege to know her, especially to the new generation of athletes in this country as she helped define the superpipe discipline in the sport of freestyle skiing. Her fans from Canada and around the world looked up to her and all she has accomplished as a true leader. This true champion will be missed but never forgotten.
On behalf of everyone at the Canadian Olympic Committee, I wish to express my deepest and heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Sarah Burke. Our thoughts and prayers are with them at this difficult time.”
Keywords · Sarah Burke · Canadian Snowsports Association · freestlye skiing · superpipe · halfpipe
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