As the Milan Cortina Winter Games approach, Canadian athletes are set to make their mark on the international stage. With a strong tradition of excellence, these competitors are eager to showcase their talents and bring home medals. Here are ten top Canadian athletes to watch during the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Top Canadian Athletes to Watch at the Winter Olympics
Connor McDavid, Hockey
Connor McDavid, a standout player for the Edmonton Oilers, is known as one of the best hockey players in the world. This will be his first Olympic appearance, where expectations are high. McDavid’s performance in the 4 Nations Face-Off last year established him as a key player for Canada.
Ivanie Blondin, Speed Skating
Heading into her fourth Olympics, Ivanie Blondin is a seasoned competitor seeking her third medal. The 35-year-old speed skater from Ottawa won two gold medals and two bronze medals at the 2025 ISU Four Continents Championships. Her previous Olympic achievements include a gold medal in team pursuit and a silver in mass start at the 2022 Games.
Jack Crawford, Alpine Skiing
At 28, Jack Crawford surged to prominence after winning a bronze medal at the 2022 Olympics. He recently captured gold in the super-G at the 2023 FIS Alpine World Ski Championships. Crawford ranked fifth overall in the FIS World Cup downhill standings and will compete with confidence at the Games.
Mikaël Kingsbury, Freestyle Skiing
Mikaël Kingsbury is recognized as one of the top mogul skiers internationally. The Deux-Montagnes native recently achieved his 100th World Cup victory. Kingsbury already has a gold medal from the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics and aims for his second at this year’s competition.
Rachel Homan, Curling
Rachel Homan, a prominent figure in Canadian curling, is making her third Olympic appearance. With numerous championships to her name, including three world titles, Homan aspires to break Canada’s 12-year gold-medal drought. She is poised to lead her team to victory in Cortina.
Deanna Stellato-Dudek, Figure Skating
Deanna Stellato-Dudek returns to the Olympic stage with her partner, Maxime Deschamps. After a lengthy hiatus from singles competition, she won gold at the 2024 ISU World Figure Skating Championships, becoming the oldest woman to achieve this in her discipline. Their dynamic partnership adds an intriguing element to Team Canada.
Marie-Philip Poulin, Hockey
Marie-Philip Poulin, known as “Captain Clutch,” is a veteran of five Olympic Games. She has three gold medals, with a pivotal game-winning goal in the 2022 final. At 34, this Olympics could mark her final run, aiming to solidify her status as one of the legends of women’s hockey.
Mark McMorris, Snowboarding
At 32, Mark McMorris heads into his fourth Olympics, hoping to secure more hardware in slopestyle. With 25 X Games medals to his name, his resilience shines through after overcoming numerous injuries. McMorris continues to be a formidable presence in the competition.
William Dandjinou, Speed Skating
Making his Olympic debut, 24-year-old William Dandjinou is already a two-time Crystal Globe winner. He claimed gold in several events last year, proving he is a serious contender on the international stage. Dandjinou’s confidence is high as he heads to Milan Cortina.
Reece Howden, Freestyle Skiing
Reece Howden enters his second Olympics as the leader in World Cup victories in men’s ski cross, with 22 wins. After finishing ninth in the 2022 Games, he looks to capitalize on his recent success and aims to impress at the upcoming Olympics.
As the world watches, these talented Canadian athletes will seek to elevate their performances and possibly bring home coveted medals during the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
