As the Milan Cortina Olympics unfold, Canadian athletes are gearing up for a series of crucial competitions on Wednesday, February 11. From the seasoned ice dance duo aiming for a final podium finish to promising newcomers in freestyle skiing and speedskating, here are five pivotal events to watch.
Ice Dance Showdown
Veteran ice dancers Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier are poised to make a significant mark in what could be their last competitive performance together. The pair enters the free dance segment in third place, following a solid rhythm dance. They trail behind former Canadian competitor Laurence Fournier Beaudry, who now competes for France alongside Guillaume Cizeron, and American champions Madison Chock and Evan Bates.
Gilles and Poirier, both 34, hail from Toronto and Unionville, Ontario, respectively, and are embarking on their 15th season together. With this being their third Winter Games, the duo is determined to secure a medal that reflects their years of hard work and dedication.
Curling: A Tradition of Excellence
The men’s curling tournament kicks off with Canada facing Germany in the round-robin stage. The Canadian team, led by skip Brad Jacobs from Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario, boasts a wealth of Olympic experience, having previously secured gold at the Sochi 2014 Games. He is joined by teammates Marc Kennedy from St. Albert, Alberta, along with Brett Gallant and Ben Hebert from Chestermere, Alberta.
After a challenging mixed doubles campaign, where Gallant and his partner Jocelyn Peterman finished with a disappointing 4-5 record, the team is eager to redeem themselves and showcase their skill on the international stage.
Freestyle Skiing Debut
Maia Schwinghammer, a 24-year-old freestyle skier from Saskatoon, is set to make her Olympic debut in the women’s moguls final, bringing with her a wave of excitement. Schwinghammer recently clinched a bronze medal at the 2025 World Ski Championships in Switzerland and has been a regular fixture on the podium throughout the last World Cup season.
Her journey to the Olympics has captured the hearts of many, especially after her father became an internet sensation during a heartfelt interview, where he expressed his pride and emotion at her achievements.
Alpine Skiing Family Affair
Four Canadians will take to the slopes in the men’s super-G alpine skiing event, a highlight of the Games. Jack Crawford from Toronto leads the group, alongside North Vancouver’s Cameron Alexander and brothers Brodie and Riley Seger. Crawford, the most seasoned of the contingent, brings with him a wealth of experience gained over seven World Cup seasons, as well as a bronze medal from the 2022 Beijing Games in combined alpine skiing.
Speedskating: Chasing Podium Glory
In the speedskating arena, Laurent Dubreuil aims to replicate his success from Beijing, where he secured a silver medal in the men’s 1,000 metres. The 33-year-old from Lévis, Quebec, narrowly missed another medal in the 500 metres by a mere 0.03 seconds. Heading into the Milan Cortina Games, Dubreuil is a formidable contender, boasting an impressive eight medals from the world single-distance championships, including three golds.
Why it Matters
The outcomes of these events not only hold the potential for individual glory but also reflect Canada’s rich sporting culture and commitment to excellence on the world stage. As athletes push their limits and strive for medals, their journeys inspire future generations and reinforce the importance of perseverance and teamwork. This Olympic season serves as a reminder of the power of sport to unite and uplift, transcending borders and fostering a spirit of camaraderie among nations.
