Erik Guay
Canada's most decorated alpine skier, a downhill dominator whose career was a masterclass in speed, resilience, and longevity.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Canadian alpine skier·Birthday: August 5·Millennials
Biography
Erik Guay won the downhill world championship in 2011 and, at age 35, the super-G world title in 2017, making him the oldest male world champion in alpine skiing. From Mont-Tremblant, Quebec, he became a steady force in Canadian men's skiing for nearly two decades. His composure in the start gate translated into smooth, aggressive lines down the world's most challenging courses. He won a World Cup super-G crystal globe in 2010. Through multiple serious injuries and surgeries, his return to the top each time demonstrated his determination.
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.
Erik was born in 1981, 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 Erik Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Erik's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships gold medal in downhill in 2011 at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
- Captured the super-G World Championship gold in 2017 at St. Moritz, becoming the oldest male alpine world champion at 35.
- Secured the FIS World Cup season title in super-G for the 2009–2010 season.
- Holds the Canadian record for most World Cup podiums (25) and victories (5) by a male alpine skier.
Did You Know?
He is the first and only Canadian man to win a World Championship title in downhill.
His 2017 super-G world championship win came after he had undergone knee surgery just months earlier.
He carried the Canadian flag at the opening ceremony of the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi.
All five of his World Cup race victories came in either downhill or super-G events.
“I've always said I ski for the wins, not for the money or the fame.”
