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Skiing has been my focus for as long as I can remember. What started as pure love for being on snow turned into a commitment that shapes everything I do. I’ve always believed that if you want something badly enough, you show up early, stay late, and keep pushing even when no one’s watching and that mindset is what brought me onto the FIS international stage. This past season, I finished ranked 7th overall in the 2026 NorAm Cup, and competing against some of the best skiers out there has pushed me to grow in ways I never expected.
Chasing this dream has meant making big decisions early. When I was 17, I moved to Calgary on my own so I could train full‑time, and I’ve been finishing my Grade 12 year remotely while balancing travel, training, and competition. It hasn’t been easy, but it’s taught me a lot about independence, discipline, and what it really takes to pursue something you care about.
The truth is, the hardest part isn’t the work, it’s the cost. Freestyle skiing at this level comes with major expenses: travel across North America, coaching, equipment, training camps, and competition fees. Every season, the financial pressure is real, and it’s something I feel with every decision I make. Support from donors genuinely makes a difference. It allows me to stay focused on progressing, competing, and representing Canada with pride instead of worrying about how I’m going to afford the next event.
Looking ahead, my goal is clear. I’ve got my eyes set on the 2030 Olympics, and nothing would make me prouder than to represent Canada again. Competing at the Youth Olympics in Gangwon was one of the biggest moments of my life, standing there in the Canadian kit, knowing I was skiing for something bigger than myself. I want that feeling again, and I’m working every day to earn it. I’m proud of how far I’ve come, and with the support of people who believe in this journey, I’m even more motivated for what’s ahead.
In freestyle,
Matthew Lepine