Murray Cluff
Freestyle Skiing Athlete - Inducted 2000
Murray Cluff competed at the World Cup level from 1979 to 1991 in moguls, acro (ballet), and aerials and was one of a few combined freestyle skiers. He was both a World Cup and Canadian National Champion in moguls and combined events with 18 top-10 Grand Prix finishes. His other accomplishments were 73 top-10 finishes, and 165 top-25 finishes at the World Cup level; winning first in 1976, 1977, 1978, and 1991 at Canadian Nationals and first in 1980 at World Cup. In 1976 at the age of 16, Murray Cluff became the youngest freestyle skier to win the Canadian Senior Men Moguls Championship. His achievements were based on focus, dedication, and determination. All through his career Murray Cluff's high standards and sportsmanship have been his strength and his expectations of others. He assisted in the development of the Level III Aerials NCCP Course. Murray Cluff continues to give back to the sport through coaching at all levels and as a mentor for up-and-coming athletes.
After Induction
Murray started coaching in 1996. For 10 years, he coached and then helped guide Jennifer Heil to her 2006 Olympic gold medal. He has also led the national team and worked with Olympic Gold medalist Jean Luc Brassard. Murray took several years off from coaching and then returned in 2013 to coach Ning Qin of China (who had placed consistently in the 35-45 range in competition). Murray was Qin’s coach at the 2014 Olympic Sochi Games, where she had an 18th place finish in moguls.
Did You Know? Murray broke his leg in the final training run of the 1988 Calgary Winter Olympic Games.
