The Vail Valley Foundation will pay tribute to the late John Dakin on December 5, 2023, at the opening men’s World Cup downhill during this year’s Birds of Prey races. The commemoration is scheduled for approximately 10:30 a.m., just before the national anthem, to honor Dakin’s significant contributions to the sport of skiing.
Dakin, who passed away on April 12 at the age of 71 after a prolonged battle with Parkinson’s disease, is remembered for his pivotal role in the world of Alpine skiing. He was the first individual to serve as chief of press at three Alpine world championships, held in 1989, 1999, and 2015. His career also included positions as the Alpine press chief at the 2002 Olympics and the Alpine mixed zone coordinator at the 2010 Olympics.
Before his notable achievements, Dakin began his career in public relations with the U.S. Ski Team and the University of Colorado. His efforts were instrumental in establishing Vail and Beaver Creek as premier venues for world-class ski racing. Dakin retired in 2015, but his legacy continued to resonate throughout the skiing community and beyond.
Dakin’s Enduring Impact on Ski Racing
“John Dakin was there from the very beginning, helping to build Birds of Prey from the ground up,” said Mike Imhof, President of the Vail Valley Foundation. “His impact on our organization, on this community, and on the ski racing world cannot be overstated. John’s passion and expertise played a pivotal role in establishing Beaver Creek as a premier venue in alpine ski racing and as an international ski destination. It is only fitting that we honor him during the event he worked so hard to elevate and that meant so much to him throughout his remarkable career.”
The celebration on December 5 will feature a short video highlighting Dakin’s life and contributions, along with remarks from community members who knew him well. His dedication to the sport and the community has left an indelible mark on the landscape of ski racing.
The public is encouraged to attend the downhill event on Friday to celebrate Dakin’s extraordinary life and contributions to the skiing world. The ceremony will take place at the John & Karen Arnold Red Tail Stadium at Stifel Birds of Prey, located in Beaver Creek.
In August 2022, Dakin received a standing ovation as he was inducted into the Colorado Snowsports Hall of Fame at the Gerald R. Ford Amphitheater in Vail. His enduring legacy is a testament to his influence in the realm of skiing and public relations.
For more information about the event, visit BCWorldCup.com.