Known for its acrobatic-style, freestyle skiing includes moguls, aerials, half-pipes and slope-style types of skiing. This extreme sport featured in the Winter Olympics and winter X-Games produce athletes sometimes called "hot-doggers," who are thought to be fearless adrenaline junkies who push the sport to the limits with tricks and showmanship. Freestyle skiing has made both male and female athletes famous around the globe.
Alexandre Bilodeau
A freestyle skier from Montreal, Quebec, Alexander Bilodeau holds the honor of being the first Canadian to win a gold medal at an Olympic event held in Canada, making him popular among his compatriots and famous worldwide. Also known for being the youngest athlete to win a World Cup moguls event, Bilodeau has finished at the top of multiple freestyle skiing competitions. He also is highly thought of for his dedication to his older brother, Frederic, with cerebral palsy; Bilodeau dedicated his gold medal to Frederic at the Vancouver Winter Olympic Games in 2010.
Aiko Uemura
Despite not taking any Olympic medals, Aiko Uemura is famous for growing up skiing competitively in the public eye since her Olympic debut in 1998 while she was a high school student. In 2003, Uemura won the maiden World Cup, gaining fans and notoriety through her determination and infectious smile. People of her home country of Japan are proud of her record-breaking two gold medals at the FIS Freestyle World Championships in 2009.
Andreas Steffen
Famous for his combination of extreme sports, Andreas Steffen won the bronze medal in the 2009 Skier X-Games. Steffen also is a mountain biker and software engineer, making him a minor celebrity in his home country of Switzerland.
Ashleigh McIvor
Being beauty and talent have made Canadian Ashleigh McIvor famous. Skiing since she was 2 years old and ranked second overall for women's freestyle skiing in 2011, McIvor has won a seemingly endless list of titles, including Olympic Gold. She has been featured in many magazines and television advertisements, making her face as recognizable as her athletic ability.
Jeret 'Speedy' Peterson
Originally known for being a world-renowned risk-taker and cutting-edge freestyle skier, Jeret "Speedy" Peterson was found dead from suicide in July 2011 after being cited for drunken driving days earlier. A former silver medalist, Peterson is famous for creating his unique "hurricane" move -- five twists inside of three somersaults -- and being a well-loved, world-class athlete.
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