"Johno" McBride hired to guide Canadians

John “Johno” McBride, who coached US Ski Team athletes to Olympic and World Cup medals for more than a decade, has been added to the coaching staff of Canada’s men’s alpine ski team as it sharpens the focus on winning medals at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver / Whistler.

McBride, who coached Bode Miller to Olympic medal performances in 2002 and an overall Crystal Globe in 2005 as well Daron Rahlves to an impressive 12 World Cup victories, will join the men’s speed team staff as an assistant coach.

“I am really looking forward to it. I’m really excited to get back into coaching these guys,” said the 44-year-old McBride about coaching at the World Cup level.

McBride, a resident of Snowmass, Colo. was a part of Bode Miller’s “Team America” coaching staff for two years prior to leaving the World Cup. He returned home last season coaching at Challenge Aspen, a competitive ski team in Aspen for individuals faced with cognitive or physical challenges.

McBride said his experience coaching with the US Team will help ensure a smooth transition to a new team with new athletes.

“I know a fair amount about them. I used to see them a fair amount in the 12 years that I was out on the circuit on the World Cup,” said McBride. “And the truth is we all used to pal around a fair bit, there is such a natural camaraderie between Americans and Canadians.”

“I love coaching. Hopefully I can bring a little something to the table for the race season and get guys fired up and motivated and believing in themselves. I know that they are talented enough to step up on those stairs,” said McBride.

“It’s not like I am going to come in and start barking orders. I am going to come in and listen and learn, see where people are at and see where I can help out,” added McBride, who will work Men’s Team head coach Paul Kristofic and Men’s Speed Head Coach Lionel Finance this coming season.
 
Alpine Canada Alpin Chief Athletics Officer Max Gartner said McBride’s experience and history of success will be valuable with the Olympic Winter Games just five months away.
 
“Johno has a track record of success in his coaching career and we felt that was important as we sharpen the focus toward the Olympics. His personality and positive energy is also very important, it will be a huge asset to our men’s program this season,” said Gartner.

 
“He has the knowledge and experience required to develop champions at the highest level, which is critical as we enter the final phase in the pursuit of our goals in 2010,” Gartner added.

 McBride and his wife, Sunni, reside in Colorado with their three children.