As Freestyle Canada’s athletes prepare for the road to the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Livigno, Italy, we want to take a moment to recognize and celebrate a group that is essential to every success story on snow— our Integrated Support Team.
Led by our Chief Medical Officer, Dr. Rod French, and his Deputy, Dr. Hannah Gibson, this dedicated group plays a critical role in keeping our athletes healthy, prepared, and thriving. Using Freestyle Canada’s internal Thrive Model as a foundation, our medical team works tirelessly to cycle athletes toward “Thriving”—that space where they are physically, mentally, and emotionally at the top of their game.
We know setbacks happen. Injuries, mental health challenges, and the daily demands of elite sport can push athletes into tough spaces. But with a strong system of support, athletes can move from injury to healthy, and from healthy to thriving once again. At the core of this system is Susan Cockle, our Mental Health Consultant, who continues to be a steady presence—whether through regular check-ins, one-on-one conversations, or navigating athletes through crisis.
Each discipline has its own paramedical lead:
· Halfpipe – Maggie Phillips
· Slopestyle/Big Air – Vince Turpin
· Moguls – Mark Borslein
· Aerials – Max Provencher (2025-26)
Last season, Bastien Garon led our Aerial paramedical operations with care and precision, helping prevent more serious injuries of our aerial athletes. As he relocates to France with his wife, we are excited to welcome Max Provencher, who will carry that work forward with the same professionalism and skill for our aerial program.
Our strength and conditioning team has also been instrumental in supporting athlete recovery, performance, and injury prevention:
- Halfpipe – Drew Lawson
- Slopestyle/Big Air – Chris “Chappy” Chapman
- Moguls – Andrew Kates
- Aerials – Jonathan “JO” Pelletier
This is only part of the story. Behind the scenes is an extended network of doctors, chiropractors, Physiotherapists, Mental Performance Consultants (MPCs), dietitians and therapists—many of whom travel with our teams or support athletes at their home clinics. Our partner surgeons and sport medicine specialists are also key in guiding important care decisions and return-to-sport plans.
The delivery of high-performance support is made possible through the expertise and commitment of the member organizations and facilities within the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network (COPSIN). In particular, CSI Pacific and CSI Alberta remain valued partners, providing expert staff and resources that play a critical role in athlete and program success.
We are proud of the progress and condition of our athletes as we head into this next phase of Olympic preparation. And we know it would not be possible without the skill, commitment, and care of our integrated support team.
Of course, Freestyle Canada’s entire Integrated Support Team is led and expertly coordinated by our Director, Adrian King, whose leadership ensures alignment across all disciplines and service areas.
Thank you for making a difference—every single day. We could not do it without you.