Photo by William Crooks
Shelby St-Hilaire poses proudly with his skis outside his apartment building in Lennoxville, gearing up to represent Canada at the Winter World Games in Turin this March
By William Crooks
Local Journalism Initiative
Lennoxville resident Shelby St-Hilaire is gearing up for the opportunity of a lifetime: representing Canada at the Special Olympics Winter World Games in Turin, Italy, next March. The 25-year-old skier has overcome setbacks, honed his skills, and now finds himself on Team Canada, one of only two Quebec athletes selected for this prestigious event.
“I started skiing when I was five years old,” Shelby shared during an interview at his home. “By six, I was already competing.” Despite his early success, his journey hasn’t been without hurdles. “In 2015, I didn’t get drafted by Team Quebec. But a few years later, I finally made it, and now, I’m part of Team Canada for the first time.”
Shelby’s competitive history has been a steady climb. From local events at Mont Saint-Bruno to national competitions in Thunder Bay and Calgary, he’s earned his place among the best. “It’s been a long road, but it’s worth it,” he said with determination. His events include slalom, giant slalom, and super-G, all of which require immense lower body strength, flexibility, and mental focus. “You’ve got to push yourself hard to get an aggressive start—that’s the key.”
His journey to Turin has been supported by a network of sponsors, including GranQuartz Canada, Salomon Ski, and Bromont Montagne d’Expériences. These organizations have provided equipment, resources, and financial support to help Shelby focus on his training. Bromont, in particular, holds a special place in his development. “It’s where I do most of my training,” Shelby said. The slopes of Bromont have been central to his growth as an athlete, offering a rigorous environment to refine his skills.
One pivotal figure in Shelby’s journey has been his coach, Bernard D’Anjou. D’Anjou recalled in a recent conversation the first time he saw Shelby on the slopes: “He wasn’t just good—he was exceptional. I thought, ‘I can make a difference with this athlete.’” D’Anjou has coached Shelby at Bromont, focusing not just on technical skills but also on developing him into a complete athlete. “We’re working on everything—gates, jumps, even woods and park modules. It’s about building reflexes and versatility.”
D’Anjou’s coaching approach goes beyond traditional techniques. He incorporates innovative strategies, including off-season activities such as biking and mountain running. “Keeping the legs and core strong is crucial,” D’Anjou explained. “It’s not just about strength but also reflexes. Activities like mountain biking help build the instincts that skiers need.” Shelby has embraced these methods, crediting his summer training routines for helping him stay in peak condition.
For Shelby, Turin represents more than just competition—it’s a dream come true. “I’ve always wanted to visit Italy. The culture, the food, the scenery—it’s going to be amazing,” he said with excitement. Shelby and his teammates will arrive on Mar. 3, allowing time to explore before the games kick off on Mar. 8. “We’ll stick together as a team; it’s all about the experience and supporting each other.”
Although Shelby has travelled to Mexico and the United States, this will be his first time in Europe. “I’ve been dreaming of this since I was a kid,” he said. Shelby expressed enthusiasm not only for the competition but also for the camaraderie and cultural exchange that come with an international event. “It’s all about passion. Do what you love most and live the best life you can.”
D’Anjou emphasized that Shelby’s achievements are a testament to his hard work and determination. “Shelby stands out because he’s willing to put in the effort, not just on the slopes but in every aspect of his preparation,” D’Anjou said. He also noted the importance of the community in Shelby’s success. “His parents aren’t skiers, so it’s been a team effort to get him the equipment, training, and opportunities he needs. This is a story of what’s possible when people believe in an athlete.”
Shelby’s mother, Anna St-Hilaire, has been a proud supporter throughout his journey. “He’s come so far,” she said in an email. “We’re just thrilled for him to have this chance.” Anna also highlighted the role of local programs in nurturing Shelby’s talent. Bromont Montagne d’Expériences, for example, has provided Shelby with free access to its facilities and equipment, ensuring he can train at a world-class level.
D’Anjou has big plans for Shelby leading up to the games. “We’ll do speed camps, work on jumps, and focus on technical refinement,” he said. The training will continue through December and January, with camps in Calgary and Quebec City. “The goal is to have Shelby in peak form, both physically and mentally, when he heads to Turin.”
Shelby’s excitement for Turin extends to meeting athletes from around the world. “I hope to connect with other Olympians and learn from their experiences,” he said. The Winter World Games, which run from Mar. 8 to 16, will provide him with a platform to showcase his talent and represent Canada on an international stage.
As Shelby prepares for this monumental event, he remains grounded in his passion for skiing and gratitude for the support he’s received. “I’m excited to represent Canada, meet new people, and just enjoy every moment,” he said. With his determination and the backing of his coach, sponsors, and community, Shelby is ready to make his mark on the world stage.