William Dandjinou is on the path to make Olympic history as a Canadian short-track speedskater. The 24-year-old from Montreal aims to shine at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, where he is expected to be a significant competitor.
Resurgence in Speedskating
Dandjinou faced a turning point during the 2022 Olympic trials when he narrowly missed being selected for the national team. This setback made him reconsider his future in the sport. “I started questioning whether I was fully committed,” he reflected in a recent interview. After two months of deliberation, he decided to continue pursuing his passion for speedskating.
Olympic Aspirations
Now, Dandjinou has secured his place in the upcoming Olympics. He began his campaign by advancing in the 1,000-metre heats and later helped his team earn a silver medal in the mixed relay. Dandjinou has the opportunity to compete in up to three individual races and two relays.
- Targets five medals: If successful, he could tie the record for the most medals by a Canadian athlete in a single Olympics.
- Potential for seven medals: This is the overall goal for the Canadian team, which would break the previous record set in 2002.
Notable Canadian athletes like Courtney Sarault, Kim Boutin, and Steven Dubois also have strong potential to earn medals in this Olympic cycle.
A Unique Celebration
Dandjinou is known for his signature “eagle” celebration after winning races. While he hints at more surprises for the Olympics, he emphasizes the importance of his signature move. “I always have a few tricks up my sleeve,” he added.
Family and Support
William’s journey in skating began at a young age, influenced by his father, Alain Dandjinou, who was unfamiliar with winter sports when he immigrated from the Ivory Coast. Alain actively encouraged William to embrace skating, which became a source of joy for both.
As he prepares for the Olympics, Alain will witness his son’s performance in person for the first time. This support means the world to William, who values his father’s role throughout his career. “He’s been with me through every early morning competition,” he shared.
William Dandjinou stands on the brink of making Canadian Olympic history. With ambition fueling his drive, the upcoming Winter Games could mark a significant chapter in his athletic career, captivating fans worldwide.
