Alpine Skiing Community Mourns the Passing of Jean-François Rapatel
*Calgary, Canada – May 15, 2025* — The international alpine skiing community is mourning the sudden and tragic loss of Jean-François Rapatel, a revered figure in high-performance winter sports and a transformative leader in Canadian ski racing. Rapatel passed away unexpectedly this week, leaving behind a legacy of excellence, mentorship, and innovation that spanned over two decades.
### A Visionary in High-Performance Sport
Rapatel, affectionately known as “JF” within the ski world, most recently served as the High-Performance Director for Alpine Canada, a role he assumed in March 2023. His appointment marked a return to the organization where he had previously led the Para-Alpine program from 2005 to 2010, guiding the team to an unprecedented 13 medals at the 2010 Vancouver Paralympic Winter Games. His earlier tenure also included spearheading the Alpine Development program, where he was instrumental in identifying and nurturing the next generation of Canadian ski talent.([alpinecanada.org][1])
Before rejoining Alpine Canada, Rapatel served as the High-Performance Director for Canada Snowboard from 2016 to 2023. Under his leadership, the Canadian snowboard team achieved historic success, including 10 Olympic medals and three Paralympic medals across the PyeongChang 2018 and Beijing 2022 Winter Games. His strategic vision and commitment to athlete development established Canada as a dominant force in international snowboarding.([canadasnowboard.ca][2])
### Tributes from the Skiing World
News of Rapatel’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief and tributes from athletes, coaches, and sports organizations worldwide. Therese Brisson, President and CEO of Alpine Canada, expressed profound sorrow:([alpinecanada.org][1])
> “JF was more than a colleague; he was a mentor, a leader, and a friend. His passion for sport and dedication to athlete success were unparalleled. His loss is deeply felt across our community.”
Erik Guay, former World Champion skier and member of Alpine Canada’s Board of Directors, also paid homage:([alpinecanada.org][1])
> “JF’s impact on Canadian skiing is immeasurable. He had a unique ability to inspire and elevate everyone around him. His legacy will continue to influence our sport for years to come.”
Athletes who benefited from Rapatel’s guidance have shared heartfelt messages, highlighting his unwavering support and belief in their potential. His mentorship extended beyond technical coaching, fostering a culture of resilience and excellence.
### A Legacy of Excellence and Innovation
Rapatel’s career was marked by a relentless pursuit of excellence and a commitment to innovation in athlete development. His approach combined data-driven strategies with a deep understanding of the human aspects of sport, creating environments where athletes could thrive.
His contributions to Canadian winter sports have left an indelible mark, not only in terms of medals and accolades but also in the lives of those he mentored and inspired. Rapatel’s vision and leadership have set a standard for high-performance programs globally.
### Remembering Jean-François Rapatel
Jean-François Rapatel is survived by his family, friends, and the countless athletes and colleagues whose lives he touched. Plans for a memorial service will be announced by Alpine Canada in the coming days.([alpinecanada.org][1])
As the skiing world reflects on his remarkable contributions, Rapatel’s legacy endures in the strength of the programs he built, the success of the athletes he mentored, and the inspiration he provided to the global sports community.
*Written by \[Prince Terzungwe]
*Senior Sports Correspondence.
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