Alexandre Bilodeau
He soared into history as the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold medal on home soil, igniting a national celebration at the 2010 Vancouver Games.
Born 1987 (age 39)·Canadian freestyle skier·Birthday: September 8·Millennials
Biography
Alexandre Bilodeau’s moment is etched in Canadian sports memory: the moguls skier from Rosemère, Quebec, bursting out of the start gate at Cypress Mountain and landing a perfect run to claim gold. That 2010 victory broke a symbolic barrier—no Canadian had ever stood atop the podium at a home Olympics. His inspiration was deeply personal; his older brother Frédéric, who has cerebral palsy, was a constant motivator. Bilodeau defended his title four years later in Sochi, proving his first win was no fluke. His combination of technical precision and explosive aerial prowess defined a generation of freestyle skiing. Retired from competition, he works as an accountant and motivational speaker, his legacy forever tied to a single, nation-defining run.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Alexandre was born in 1987, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Alexandre Was Born
The biggest hits of 1987
#1 Movie
Three Men and a Baby
Best Picture
The Last Emperor
#1 TV Show
The Cosby Show
Alexandre's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1987Born
Black Monday stock market crash
Gas: $0.90/galHome: $72,400Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Walk Like an Egyptian" — The BanglesBest Picture: The Last Emperor
1992Started school
LA riots after Rodney King verdict
Gas: $1.13/galHome: $84,300Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"End of the Road" — Boyz II MenBest Picture: Unforgiven
2000Became a teenager
Y2K passes without incident; contested Bush-Gore election
Gas: $1.51/galHome: $119,600Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Breathe" — Faith HillBest Picture: Gladiator
2003Could drive
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2005Could vote
Hurricane Katrina devastates New Orleans; YouTube launches
Gas: $2.30/galHome: $167,500Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"We Belong Together" — Mariah CareyBest Picture: Crash
2008Turned 21
Barack Obama elected first Black US president; financial crisis
Gas: $3.27/galHome: $153,100Min wage: $6.55/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Low" — Flo RidaBest Picture: Slumdog Millionaire
2017Turned 30
#MeToo movement; solar eclipse crosses the US
Gas: $2.42/galHome: $195,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"Shape of You" — Ed SheeranBest Picture: The Shape of Water
2026Age 39 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the gold medal in men's moguls at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, the first gold for a Canadian at a domestic Games.
- Successfully defended his Olympic title by winning gold again in the same event at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.
- Claimed the Crystal Globe as the overall FIS World Cup champion in moguls for the 2008–2009 season.
- Won a gold medal in dual moguls at the 2011 FIS Freestyle World Ski Championships.
Did You Know?
His older brother, Frédéric, who has cerebral palsy, was a major inspiration and was prominently featured in coverage of his 2010 win.
He is a certified chartered professional accountant (CPA).
He initially played hockey as a child before switching to freestyle skiing.
He carried the Canadian flag at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
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