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.”
