Heroes & Stars
The spirit of Alberta shines through our people; people who inspire each other to realize possibilities and every-day people who become our heroes and stars.
Heroes
Justin Kripps
Sport: Bobsleigh
Trains: Canada Olympic Park, Calgary
Birthplace: Na’alehu, Hawaii
Born: January 6, 1987
“It’s important to be able to step up and motivate your teammates when it’s necessary.”
From surf board to athletics track to the ice house, since his recruitment into the sport in 2006, Justin Kripps has become a rising star in the bobsleigh circuit to race with Pierre Lueders and the rest of the Canada 1 team.
How has growing up and/or training in Alberta contributed to your success?
Living and training in Alberta, I can say that we have incredible training facilities and a great support network that involves other elite athletes, doctors, nutritionists, physiotherapists and corporate sponsors. Training in this province is integral to my success.
What is a day in the life of an elite athlete like?
My days as an elite athlete vary and revolve specifically around training hard, usually in the morning and often in the afternoon. In between training sessions, I try to optimize my nutrition and recover from the workouts. I take time to relax by playing video games or guitar, just to get away from the sporting arena for a couple of hours.
What was your proudest moment in sport?
When I was named to the top team in Canada and later that year, win a gold medal at the World Cup that became my proudest moment in sport.
Sport and leadership go hand in hand, what have you learned about leadership by being an athlete?
What I’ve learned about leadership and sports is that sometimes, everyone has to be a leader. It’s important to be able to step up and motivate your teammates when it’s necessary.
What words of encouragement would you offer to young people who want to become an elite-level athlete?
Words of encouragement that I would impart to young athletes are: believe that you can do it and focus on the process—good results will happen.
Who is your hero?
My hero is Jenny Ciochetti of the Canadian women’s bobsleigh team. She’s awesome.
Other Milestones:
• Brakeman on Pierre Lueders Canada 1 four-man bobsleigh team
• Recently featured on Shaw TV’s “Making it Happen” series on the 2010 Games
• Justin and Pierre were the first people to slide down the track at the new Whistler Sliding Centre – venue for the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.
• Gold medal in the four-man event at 2008 World Cup in Cortina, Italy
• Eighth in four-man event at 2008 World Cup in Cesana, Italy
• Third in four-man event at 2007 World Cup in Cortina, Italy
• Third in four-man event at 2007 World Cup in Lake Placid, New York
Education: Studying for degree in kinesiology from Simon Fraser University
