Stephen congratulates Canada's gold medal winner

Prime Minister Stephen Harper
News Release

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OTTAWA - Prime Minister Stephen Harper today congratulated Alexandre Bilodeau on winning Canada's first Olympic gold medal at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games.

"On behalf of the Government of Canada and all Canadians, I would like to congratulate Alexandre Bilodeau for his exceptional accomplishment of becoming the first Canadian athlete to win an Olympic gold medal on Canadian soil," said Prime Minister Harper. "Canada was absolutely thrilled to see this remarkable athlete atop the podium among the world's best. Alexandre Bilodeau will forever be part of Canada's rich sport history."

Mr. Bilodeau was born in Rosemère, Québec and currently resides in Montréal. This is his first medal in his second Olympic Games. He is the holder of 19 medals and nine top-10 finishes in 40 World Cup appearances. He is also the youngest man to ever win gold in a World Cup event.

"Our athletes' commitment to sports excellence is a tremendous source of national pride," said the Prime Minister. "Each day, they show an unwavering dedication to their sport and to their country. They are important role models for all Canadians and great international ambassadors for the values and spirit that make this nation great."

Prime Minister Harper spoke with Mr. Bilodeau a few moments after Mr. Bilodeau's historic victory. The Prime Minister told Mr. Bilodeau that he had watched the competition with his wife Laureen and their children Ben and Rachel, and that Canadians across the country are proud of his achievement.

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