Olympic snowboard gold medallist Ross Rebagliati has been selected to carry the torch in January through the British Columbia town of Osoyoos.

Rebagliati, who gained notoriety when he tested positive for marijuana following his gold medal finish at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games, announced his intention to carry the torch Tuesday via Twitter.

"As an Olympic gold medallist it is a huge honour for me to be allowed to carry the Olympic torch as we head to the 2010 Games in my hometown," he stated.

Rebagliati has maintained a public profile since 1998 recently winning the Liberal nomination in the B.C. riding of Okanagan-Coquihalla.

The finding of Rebagliati's positive drug test was overturned and his medal was reinstated.

Rebagliati, 38, retired from competition in 1999 and has been involved in real estate and broadcasting ventures since.

He and his wife now call Kelowna, B.C., home, along with their young son.