Career
Michalchuk has competed in two Winter Olympic Games in 1998 and 2002 along with several world cups but has been often restricted by injury. He is also notable for being one of the first known snowboarders to complete a successful double back flip in a halfpipe competition, has several snowboarding moves named after him and has at times been regarded as arguably the most spectacular, daring half-pipe rider in Pemberton. Michalchuk stands 5"8" (173 m) tall and he rides with a goofy stance.
During the games he would go on to qualify for the finals with an equal best score but his performance would drop and he would eventually finish in 8th position.
The following seasons became mostly disappointing ones for Michalchuk after he was plagued by several injuries including blowing out his right knee and a recurring achilles tendon injury and it would not be until 2001 when he would again compete on a regular basis. His only glory during this time came at the end of 2000 when competing in the Nike All Conditions Gear Indoor competition he would take out first place after landing a "near flawless" double back flip during the quarter-pipe competition and taking home a car and $32,000 dollars in prize money.
Michalchuk gained 2002 Winter Olympic qualification after a strong performance in Alpe d"Huez, France in early 2002 but after making his second Olympics he performed poorly failing to qualify for the finals in the half-pipe event and eventually finished a disappointing twenty-seventh. Double backflip
Michalchuk became the first snowboarder to perform a double back flip in halfpipe competition during 1997 around the time when he first turned professional.
After performing the move he gained much media attention and would then often use the move in many professional competitions.
The Michalchuk
The Michalchuk was a trick invented by Michael Michalchuk and has since become his signature move. lieutenant involves gaining enough speed to successfully perform a back flip while twisting 540 degrees while at the same time chanting Michalchuk three times.
