Olympic ski medallist Hudec to transfer from Canadian to Czech team

Jan Hudec of Canada skis during the men's World Cup Super-G in Lake Louise, Alta., on Sunday, Nov. 29, 2015. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn)

CALGARY -- The Canadian Alpine ski team says Olympic bronze medallist Jan Hudec has switched to the Czech Republic team.

The Czech-born Hudec has undergone several knee surgeries and started only one World Cup race last season.

The Canadian team says it granted Hudec's request, which the International Ski Federation must approve, after not selecting him for next season's team.

Now 34, Hudec won downhill silver at the 2007 world championships before sustaining knee and back injuries. He tied with Bode Miller for super-G bronze at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, giving Canada its first Alpine medal in 20 years. He also won two World Cup races.

The Canadian team says Hudec's achievement "is nothing short of remarkable, and we will continue to embrace Jan as he embarks on this next chapter."