In a remarkable display of skill and determination, Canada’s short track speed skating team shone at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on February 18, 2026. Steven Dubois secured Olympic gold in the men’s 500 metres, while the women’s relay team brought home a bronze medal in the 3000-metre event.
Steven Dubois Claims Olympic Gold
Steven Dubois, 28, achieved his long-sought goal of becoming an Olympic champion in an individual event. Previously, he had only competed in team events at the Games. After experiencing a tough season marked by a hip injury, Dubois returned to training just weeks before the competition began.
In the 500-metre final, Dubois took control early, which allowed him to maintain his lead and fend off strong challenges from his competitors. He finished ahead of Dutch skaters Melle Van ’t Wout and Jens Van ’t Wout, who won silver and bronze, respectively. This gold medal makes Dubois a five-time Olympic medallist, following his successes at the Beijing 2022 Games.
Challenges Along the Way
Despite his triumph, Dubois faced significant hurdles during the Olympics, including a crash in the 1000-metre qualifying rounds and a disappointing sixth-place finish in the 1500 metres. These setbacks were particularly tough for Dubois, who entered the Olympics as the world champion.
Women’s Relay Team Secures Bronze
In the women’s 3000-metre relay, the Canadian team, comprised of Courtney Sarault, Kim Boutin, Florence Brunelle, and Danaé Blais, aimed for gold but ultimately finished third. Boutin, now a six-time Olympic medallist, expressed mixed emotions about their performance, stating, “It took us a bit of time to process what happened, but we reminded ourselves how hard we worked to get here.”
During the relay final, Canada initially led before the Dutch team encountered difficulties. Despite a mishap that caused Blais to lose her footing, the Canadians managed to secure their position against the Italian team, clinching the bronze medal behind South Korea and Italy.
A Strong Team with Deep Bonds
Team dynamics played a crucial role in their success. Blais credited Boutin for her support, especially during challenging moments. Sarault, who has won four medals this Olympics, reflected on the journey leading to each podium appearance, emphasizing the value of the overall experience over the medals themselves.
- Steven Dubois: Gold in men’s 500 metres
- Canadian Women’s Relay Team: Bronze in 3000 metres
- Date: February 18, 2026
- Location: Milano Cortina, Italy
Canada’s short track speed skating team has now accumulated a total of five medals at these Games, with more competitions scheduled in the coming days. Fans are eager to see what additional achievements their athletes will secure before the conclusion of the Olympics.
