Quick facts

Birthdate

June 7, 1977

Hometown

Fredericton, NB

Residence

Fredericton, NB

Sport

Para nordic skiing

Experience

Sochi 2014

Louis Fortin raced in the middle distance and sprint para-nordic events at the Sochi Paralympic Games in the standing category.

Going to the Paralympic Games wasn’t on Fortin’s radar when he started cross-country skiing competitively in 2010. Fortin, a one-arm amputee, had always enjoyed playing numerous sports. But when three para-nordic skiing spots opened on the New Brunswick team for the 2011 Canada Winter Games, a local coach suggested Fortin should pursue a berth. At the Games, Fortin won two silver medals and his competitive career was launched. He has since competed at three World Cup events for the past three seasons, his best result a sixth place finish in the long distance event in 2012.

In 2013-14, Fortin competed at one World Cup and entered many local races against able-bodied competition in his home province. Off the ski trails, Fortin is a mathematics teacher at Oromocto High School in Saint John, New Brunswick, a position he has held since 2010. He is a graduate of the University of Moncton in forestry and worked in the field prior to becoming a teacher. 

His arm and shoulder were amputated at age 14 after he developed bone cancer. He has travelled around the world, spending a year studying in Belgium, six months in England as a bartender, and two years in Italy. 

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS

2014 Paralympian… Won two silver medals at the 2011 Canada Winter Games… has two-top-10 finishes on World Cup circuit.

PERSONAL

Family: Is married to Sylvette and they have two children, Marie-Elyse and Damien.

Getting into the sport: He began skiing recreationally at age nine… In 2010 his coach, Manon Losier, suggested he try competing at the provincial level, with the aim of competing at the 2011 Canada Games.

Odds and ends: Enjoys physical activity, spending time outdoors, spending time with his family and friends… His idols are Canadian cross country skiers Brian McKeever and Colette Bourgonje.