Chris Del Bosco: An Olympic journey like no other

Chris Del Bosco’s road to the Vancouver Olympics has included a losing battle against booze, drugs and a stay in jail.

Last Updated: Saturday, December 19, 2009 | 5:06 PM ET

by Heather Centurioni for CBC Sports

Chris Del Bosco learning his craft the fun way. Courtesy Heather Centurioni

We’ve all had that one big dream. The one that is so big and so far away that for most mortals like us, it seems unachievable. For Chris Del Bosco, my brother, that dream has never wavered. His dream is of being an Olympic champion, to stand on that top podium step, head held high with a gold medal around his neck.

For a long time, that was our family’s dream for him too. Chris is a rare talent. Since we were kids, I have been amazed at his athletic ability. He managed to pedal off on a mini-dirt bike shortly after his second birthday … without training wheels. He strapped on skates shortly after he learned to walk and seemed to glide effortlessly over the ice. At about the same time, he slipped on his first pair of ski boots and eagerly clicked into his tiny skis. Off he went. No fear. Smile on his face. It was as if he had found the freedom that so many of us search for and never quite seem to find.

Growing up in our home in Vail, Colo., was different. As kids, we were shuffled from one activity to the next. We were the family that never really rests. Chris is the baby. I am six years older and we have three half-siblings who were adults when Chris was born.

Respect, hard work and giving to others

After a certain age, naps were unacceptable, loafing around was prohibited and the expectations were always high. Our parents were keen to make sure every moment was a learning experience. To some, this might sound harsh, and at times we were not so fond of the rigorous schedule either. However, I don’t think I would go back and change a thing. I don’t think Chris would either. Respect, hard work and giving to others were important in our family. I remember my mother telling me if I ever felt sorry for myself, I should feed the homeless.

I was a young athlete too. I ski-raced, swam, played soccer, tennis and golf, and even studied ballet. We were those kids who tried anything once. We were also those kids who loved to be outside. Our parents expected the best and quite frankly, we did too. I guess it seemed logical to us. I mean, doesn’t everyone want to be the best at some thing?

For many years, Chris road-biked, played hockey and ski-raced competitively. He did each effortlessly. He used to take his first run at a ski race in the morning, hop on a bus to the rink, lace up his skates, score some hockey goals, rush back to the hill, take his second run, collect his medal and then head back up the hill to ski in the trees until the lift operators had to send him home at dusk.

Never a wasted second

The young Chris posing in front of the fireplace. Courtesy Heather Centurioni

When he was five years old, he participated in a ski-a-thon to raise money for multiple sclerosis. Chris raced up and down the mountain and logged a staggering 15,000 vertical metres in five hours. I am sure he would have skied more had the sun not gone down. This was how most of his days played out. Jam packed. Full of adventure. Going fast. He was and still is a bundle of energy, and that runs on a 30-second minute, while everyone else trails behind him happily using all 60 seconds.

I guess it is important to note that Chris was always able to keep up with his studies and managed to always have a group of friends. I like to think that he actually taught himself the periodic tables, calculus and history on the road in between ski races. He is a quick study. He has a photographic memory. He can recite lines from movies and is quite a ham.

If you see him around, ask him to do a Jim Carrey impersonation. You will be rolling on the floor with laughter. Just another reason we think Chris is so special. From afar you might assume he is reserved, maybe even aloof, but spend a day with him and that funny side might come out and you will see why we adore him so much.

I have often said that I do not believe many people have a bad thing to say about Chris. Here is this kid with supernatural athletic ability, book smarts, a cunning sense of humour, a kind spirit and great drive. There must be a flaw somewhere, right? I mean, who is blessed with all these wonderful things? Certainly no one is perfect and sadly, the same holds true for Chris.

Next Part Two: The fall from glory