Josh was in a life-changing accident that left him as a T11 full paraplegic. From his hospital bed with the long months of recovery ahead, it was the initial encouragement from his now-mentor Rick Hansen that helped Josh re-dedicate his life to freedom, adventure and helping those that could learn from his example. He has since medalled with Gold and Silver at the Paralympics and was named Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the Beijing Paralympics.
Through seemingly insurmountable odds, Josh Dueck has overcome incredible adversity to redeem a jump gone wrong while staying true to his core belief that intuition is our inner guide and that in order to fully express ourselves, we need to find, and explore, our creative outlet.
Audience reviews:
Josh Dueck's presentation was fantastic! Everybody loved him! He also joined us for a dinner the night of his presentation and everyone was really happy to talk with him. Josh was really easy to approach, and working with him was simple and pleasant!
Claim to Fame: Paralympic gold and silver medalist, the first person in history to land a backflip on a sit-ski, and Canada’s Flag Bearer at the Sochi 2014 Paralympic Closing Ceremony. Josh Dueck’s story of resilience, reinvention, and athletic excellence has inspired audiences across Canada and beyond.
About Josh Dueck
Josh Dueck is a Canadian Paralympic alpine skier whose journey from a life-altering spinal cord injury to Paralympic champion has made him one of the most compelling speakers in Canadian sport. A decorated athlete, National Geographic Adventurer of the Year finalist, and former Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the 2022 Beijing Paralympics, Josh brings a story of unbreakable resolve and purposeful leadership to any audience.
Why Organizations Choose Josh Dueck
Organizations choose Josh when they want a speaker whose story is both extraordinary and deeply human. His path—from injury to world champion to team leader—speaks to themes of resilience, mental toughness, and finding new purpose after setbacks. These are messages that resonate across industries and roles.
Josh connects with audiences through authentic storytelling rooted in real experience. His career arc offers powerful lessons about redefining what’s possible when circumstances change, making him a strong fit for leadership retreats, recognition events, and conferences focused on performance and culture.
Josh Dueck brings:
– Paralympic gold medalist (Sochi 2014 Super Combined) and two-time silver medalist – First person in history to land a backflip on a sit-ski (2012) – National Geographic Adventurer of the Year finalist – Canada’s Flag Bearer, Sochi 2014 Paralympic Closing Ceremony – Chef de Mission, Team Canada, Beijing 2022 Paralympics – Rick Hansen Foundation Ambassador
Josh Dueck grew up in Kimberley, BC, where a love of the mountains shaped his identity from an early age. He began skiing at 13 and joined a freestyle club at 15, eventually setting his sights on an Olympic career. When that path closed due to financial constraints, Josh turned to coaching—and it was while coaching that a freestyle skiing accident in 2004 left him a T11 full paraplegic. With the support of mentor Rick Hansen, Josh redirected his drive and returned to the sport he loved, this time on a sit-ski.
The results speak for themselves. By 2009, Josh was Para-Alpine World Champion. He won silver at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympics and gold at X Games 2011. Then, on a clear February day in 2012 in the Whistler backcountry, Josh became the first person in history to land a backflip on a sit-ski—a moment captured on film that went viral and earned him a spot on the Ellen DeGeneres Show. At the Sochi 2014 Games—exactly ten years after his accident—he won silver in sit-ski downhill and gold in the Super Combined, then carried Canada’s flag at the Closing Ceremony.
Leadership Beyond the Podium
Josh’s role in Canadian sport has grown well beyond competition. In 2022, he was named Chef de Mission for Team Canada at the Beijing Paralympics, a leadership position that reflects the trust and respect he has earned across the sport community. Other roles have included active ambassador for the Rick Hansen Foundation and with the LIVE it LOVE it Foundation, which creates outdoor adventure opportunities for youth with disabilities.
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