Montreal (QC), Canada – Dr. Gord Sleivert, a high performance advisor to the Canadian sport system who was instrumental to the success of the Canadian Freestyle Ski Team, including its 2010 Olympic Winter Games medals, passed away unexpectedly on April 2 in Montreal. He was 48.

Canadian Freestyle Ski Association (CFSA) Strength and Conditioning Coach Adrian King worked closely with Slievert. “It’s an enormous loss for our sport science program. Gord was a mentor to me professionally and personally,” King said. “He was the whole package: an excellent physiologist who helped our team immensely with determining training directions, and also such a great personality. He was always positive, uplifting and funny. Everyone – staff and athletes – felt comfortable to go to him for advice.”

Peter Judge, CFSA CEO, added, “We send our deepest condolences to Gord’s family. He was a huge contributor to the Canadian sport system and a multitude of sports in Canada. He will be deeply missed.”

Sleivert was Vice President of Canadian Sport Centre Pacific. His life was honored at a public celebration held in Victoria, British Columbia, on Thursday.

Sleivert leaves behind his wife Kari and three children.