With four consecutive FIS World Cup Freestyle Aerials titles (1997-2000) and participation in four Olympic Games and two Olympic medals, Canadian Nicolas Fontaine was the dominant aerialist of his era.

Fontaine was a member of the Canadian National Freestyle Ski team and the legendary ‘Quebec Air Force’ from 1991 to 2003 where for many years he was the younger sidekick of other Canadian aerial icons like Philippe Laroche and Lloyd Langlois. Fontaine competed in an astounding 116 aerial events over the course of his career — finishing in the top-ten 84 times.

Since his retirement from competition, Fontaine has been instrumental in the continued dominance of Canada on the international aerials scene by co-founding and coaching the Jump 2010 program, designed to recruit gymnasts and trampolinists to the sport. In this position he leads a squad of up-and-coming aerialists in the country, many of whom, like Olivier Rochon from Gatineau, QC, have had exceptional competitive success.

The Canadian Freestyle Ski Association congratulates Nicolas Fontaine on his recent nomination to the Quebec Sports Hall of Fame.

CFSA CEO Peter Judge who coached Fontaine for many years said, “I can’t think of any athlete more deserving of this type of recognition. Nico was a first class competitor, not just in his skill; but also in his commitment, leadership and sportsmanship. These are qualities he has carried into his coaching career. Our association feels truly fortunate to have him on our team.”

These sentiments were echoed by Edgar Théorêt, president of le Panthéon des Sports du Québec, who commented, “Nicolas was chosen for his sport performances. The Hall of Fame’s goal is to preserve sport history and to make people aware of the athletes who have written that history. Nicolas assuredly is one of those people and deserves to be nominated to our Hall of Fame.”

The celebration for Fontaine and six other nominees will take place on November 9, 2009 at the Casino de Montréal.