The 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics are proving to be a mixed bag for Canada, as the nation celebrates a silver medal in short-track speedskating while facing setbacks in women’s hockey. On the ice and beyond, Canadian athletes are making headlines, showcasing both triumphs and challenges as the Games progress.
Silver Medals in Short-Track Speedskating
Canadian short-track speedskating rookies William Dandjinou and Félix Roussel made a remarkable Olympic debut in Italy, teaming up with seasoned competitors Kim Boutin and Courtney Sarault to clinch a silver medal in the mixed relay event. The quartet finished behind the host nation, Italy, and ahead of Belgium, marking a significant milestone for Dandjinou, Roussel, and Sarault, all of whom secured their first Olympic medals. For Boutin, this achievement adds to her impressive tally, making it her fifth. The team’s performance does not end there; Dandjinou and Roussel excelled in their men’s 1,000-metre heats, while Boutin and Sarault dominated the women’s 500-metre qualifications, setting the stage for further success.
Struggles for Women’s Hockey Team
In stark contrast, Canada’s women’s hockey team faced a significant hurdle, suffering a 5-0 defeat to the United States in Group A action. Compounding their woes, the Canadians played without their injured captain, Marie-Philip Poulin, managing only 20 shots on goal against a dominant American side. This loss follows a challenging Rivalry Series late last year, where the U.S. outscored Canada 24-7 over four matches. With their final preliminary-round game against Finland approaching on Thursday, the team will be eager to regroup and reclaim their competitive edge.
Figure Skating Dreams Revived
In brighter news, figure skaters Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps have received the green light to compete in the pairs event this Sunday. The duo, who are the reigning world champions, had to miss the team competition due to an injury sustained by Stellato-Dudek during training. At 42, Stellato-Dudek is on track to become the oldest female figure skater to compete at the Olympics in nearly a century, adding a compelling narrative to her Olympic debut.
Rising Stars and Olympic Challenges
Canadian figure skater Stephen Gogolev is making a name for himself in the men’s short program, currently sitting in 10th place after executing two quad jumps and scoring 87.41 points. Despite a minor setback with a loose boot lace, the 21-year-old from Toronto remains in contention as he prepares for the free program on Friday.
Conversely, American skier Mikaela Shiffrin, a dominant force on the World Cup circuit, continues to face challenges at the Olympics. Her recent fourth-place finish in the team combined event marks her seventh consecutive Olympic race without a medal, raising questions about her performance under Olympic pressure after a stellar career.
Why it Matters
The unfolding narrative of the 2026 Milan Cortina Games reflects the highs and lows inherent in Olympic competition. Canada’s ability to secure medals in one discipline while grappling with defeats in another underscores the unpredictable nature of elite sports. As athletes strive for glory on the world stage, the outcomes not only shape their personal legacies but also influence national morale and the future of Canadian winter sports. The Games serve as a reminder of both the pressure and the potential for greatness that athletes face, making every moment a testament to their resilience and determination.
