As the Winter Olympics return to Italy’s Milano Cortina, Canada aims to uphold its legacy in winter sports. The nation, known for its remarkable performance at previous Games, seeks to add to its medal tally, building on a tradition that began 20 years ago in Turin.
Canada’s Strong Olympic History
Since the Winter Olympics in Turin 2006, Canada has consistently excelled, securing a minimum of 24 medals in each of the past five Games. This strong track record includes a notable fourth-place finish in the overall medal standings. Following the success of the Own the Podium program, created ahead of the Vancouver Games in 2010, Canada aims to remain competitive on the world stage.
Challenges and Expectations
Despite a promising history, Canada faced a setback in the 2022 Beijing Olympics, finishing with only four gold medals. This marked the lowest gold count since Lillehammer in 1994. Aiming for improvement, the Canadian Olympic Committee has set its sights on finishing among the top five nations in terms of total medals by 2035.
However, concerns over stagnant government funding could impact Canada’s medal potential this year. Shoreview Sports Analytics projects Canada to finish fourth again, targeting 27 medals, including 10 golds.
Key Contenders to Watch
- Marielle Thompson (Women’s Ski Cross): Aiming for her third Olympic medal after a successful World Cup season.
- Reece Howden (Men’s Ski Cross): Dominated the World Cup circuit and is on track to compete for gold.
- Mark McMorris (Men’s Snowboarding): A seasoned athlete aiming to improve on his past Olympic performances.
- Mikael Kingsbury (Men’s Moguls): Holds 100 World Cup victories and is set to compete in dual moguls.
- Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (Ice Dance): Strong medal prospects after securing multiple world championship silvers.
Traditional Strengths and Emerging Talents
Canada’s strengths include curling, hockey, and figure skating. However, in the last Olympics, the country only achieved two medals in combined events in these disciplines, a decline from previous success. Athletes like Kevin Koe (men’s curling) and Rachel Homan (women’s curling) are vital for reclaiming podium spots in these sports.
In addition to established stars, several athletes are poised to make their mark. Abigail Strate (Women’s Ski Jump) and Hallie Clarke (Women’s Skeleton) are emerging talents to watch, alongside veterans like Cynthia Appiah (Women’s Bobsleigh) and Valerie Maltais (Women’s Speedskating).
Upcoming Competitions
The Olympic opening ceremony is scheduled for Friday, with competition beginning on Wednesday. As excitement builds, Canada’s hope lies in its athletes’ ability to perform and bring home medals once again, solidifying its status as a top contender at the Winter Games.
