Olympic medalist Mark McMorris named 2018 Calgary parade marshal

The Calgary Stampede announced two-time Canadian Olympian and bronze medalist Mark McMorris will be this year’s parade marshal.

The Stampede made the announcement Thursday morning.

The 24-year-old snowboarder from Regina recently won a bronze medal in men’s snowboard slopestyle in Pyeongchang at the 2018 Winter Games.

In March 2017, McMorris suffered life-threatening injuries from a backcountry crash less than a year ago.

McMorris broke at least half a dozen bones including multiple fractures on his ribs, arm and femur.

WATCH: Global’s Leslie Horton caught up with 2018 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal Mark McMorris after the announcement.

2:35 ‘I’m looking forward to it’: Mark McMorris excited to be Calgary Stampede Parade Marshal

Speaking to reporters Thursday, McMorris called it a “huge honour,” adding this will also mark his first Calgary Stampede.

 “This is the perfect opportunity to tie myself to one of the most Canadian and iconic events,” he said.

Tweet This Click to share quote on Twitter:  "This is the perfect opportunity to tie myself to one of the most Canadian and iconic events," he said.

In 2016, musicians Jann Arden and Paul Brandt shared the marshal duties and in 2015, Canadian Olympian Kaillie Humphries led the parade.

Calgary Stampede president and chairman David Sibbald made the big announcement at 10 a.m. MT at Stampede Park.