The Milan Cortina Olympics are heating up with a thrilling day of competitions set for Sunday, February 8. Canadian athletes are poised to make their mark, particularly in curling and figure skating, as they look to secure positions in the playoffs and vie for medals. Here’s what to keep an eye on as the Games unfold.
Curling Showdown
The mixed doubles curling team of Brett Gallant and Jocelyn Peterman, hailing from Chestermere, Alberta, are facing a crucial moment in their Olympic journey. With playoff spots on the line, the duo will compete against formidable teams from Sweden and South Korea on Sunday. They will conclude their preliminary round with a match against Switzerland on Monday. The stakes are high, as only the top four teams will advance to the next stage of the tournament. Gallant and Peterman are determined to secure their place among the best, building on the momentum of their previous performances.
Figure Skating Medals at Stake
Sunday also marks a significant day for Canadian figure skaters, as the first medals of the Games will be awarded following the final events of the team competition. Canadian athletes Trennt Michaud from Trenton, Ontario, and Lia Pereira from Milton, Ontario, will showcase their talents in the free pairs segment. Meanwhile, Madeline Schizas from Oakville, Ontario, is set to dazzle in the women’s free programme, and Stephen Gogolev from Toronto will cap off the event in the men’s free skate. Canada is keen to improve upon its fourth-place finish from the 2022 Beijing Games, and these skaters are ready to rise to the occasion.
Speedskating and Snowboarding Events
In the world of speedskating, the men’s 5,000-metre race is expected to be a highlight as athletes tackle the endurance challenge of 12.5 laps around the 400-metre oval at the Speed Skating Stadium in Rho, just northwest of Milan. Canadian speedskater Ted-Jan Bloemen, who clinched silver in the same event at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games, is a strong contender to watch.
Additionally, Kaylie Buck from Oakville will return to the site of her first World Cup medal as she competes in the parallel slalom snowboard qualifying events. Buck’s previous silver medal performance at the Olympic venue in December has set high expectations, while Arnaud Gaudet from Montcalm, Quebec, also seeks to make waves in the men’s event following a recent silver medal victory in Bulgaria.
A Comeback to Watch
In a noteworthy return to competition, American skiing icon Lindsey Vonn is poised to race in the women’s downhill event after recently overcoming a significant injury. Vonn, who suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in her left knee, completed Saturday’s training session in a commendable third place, trailing her teammate Breezy Johnson by just 0.37 seconds. With a storied history of 12 World Cup victories in Cortina, Vonn’s comeback adds an exciting storyline to the Games.
Why it Matters
The Milan Cortina Olympics represent more than just athletic competition; they are a platform for athletes to showcase resilience, skill, and the spirit of international camaraderie. For Canada, the performances in curling and figure skating could define the nation’s success at these Games, potentially influencing the future of winter sports in the country. As athletes push their limits, the outcomes could inspire a new generation of Canadian sports talent, fostering a lasting legacy in the world of winter sports.
