The world's first Olympic gold medalist in snowboarding is ready for a challenge of a different sort -- running for federal politics in his B.C. riding.

Ross Rebagliati announced he will seek the nomination to run as the Liberal candidate for the Okanagan-Coquihalla riding.

In a news release posted on his website, Rebagliati said he is ready for what promises to be a difficult fight, as he squares off against Minister of International Trade Stockwell Day.

Rebagliati won gold in snowboarding in 1998, only to have it stripped within days when traces of marijuana were found in his system. However, that ruling was quickly overturned and the medal reinstated. Rebagliati has always maintained the traces in his system were the result of second-hand smoke.

He retired in 1999 and has since been involved in real estate and broadcasting, as well as teaching snowboard racing. Rebagliati, his wife and their five-month-old son live in Kelowna, B.C.

"Since Nagano I have dedicated my life to furthering amateur sport and youth issues," Rebagliati said in the release.

"This desire to make a difference, combined with my long-held Liberal values and great respect for Michael Ignatieff, have led to my decision to seek the nomination in Okanagan-Coquihalla."

Riding President Darvinder Garcha said the 38-year-old father and husband is a welcome addition to the team, but didn't confirm whether Rebagliati's bid for the nomination will go uncontested.

"Ross' profile, energy and history of community activism will be a tremendous asset to our association and our Party," Garcha said in the release.

"We are thrilled to have him as a candidate for the nomination and look forward to working with him to reach out to the people of Okanagan-Coquihalla and take on Stockwell Day and his narrow Reform-Conservative agenda."

Rebagliati has said his experience at Nagano prepared him for the upcoming challenge.

At just 26 he was thrust into the world spotlight, forced to defend his integrity and athleticism with little support or advice -- going from national hero to laughing stock almost in an instant.

Living through such an intense political experience, he said, helped ready him to enter politics on a federal level -- this time on purpose.

The training, focus and commitment required to win Olympic gold, he said, would also serve him well in a political career.