Omischl charts billboard hit

Steve Omischl listens as Mayor Vic Fedeli speaks. A billboard put up in Omischl's honour can be seen in the background. Photo by Levi Perry, Special to BayToday.ca.
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Three-time world cup aerials champ Steve Omischl has now become even more of a hometown hero.

A billboard was put up today in honour of the North Bay-born athlete.

The billboard is located across the street from the Fox radio station. TWG Communications, based in North Bay, designed the billboard at no cost.

Mayor Victor Fedeli was on hand congratulating Omischl on his achievements.

“This sign is a great tribute to a real champion,” said Fedeli.

“You give hope to all young people in the community, and you are a great inspiration to everyone.”

Fedeli and Omischl posed for some pictures, and then Omischl went on to thank the community for the billboard.

“This feels so surreal right now, but it gives great pleasure that people can be inspired by me.”

Omischl is just getting ready to take to the air.

He is currently training for up coming ski competitions, as well as the 2006 Olympics in Turin, Italy. He is very optimistic about his future and has a dream of coming home and drawing a gold medal around his neck on the billboard. When he is not working out and lifting weights, he is lifting his 40-pound world cup trophy, and posing for pictures.