As the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, Canadian athletes are adapting their routines to mitigate the risks posed by a norovirus outbreak that has already disrupted the schedule. With heightened vigilance in communal spaces and a focus on hygiene, the Canadian women’s hockey team and other competitors are taking proactive measures to protect their health and performance.
Norovirus Disrupts Canadian Women’s Hockey Schedule
The Canadian women’s hockey team faced an unexpected setback when their opening match against Finland, originally scheduled for February 10, has been postponed to February 12 due to a norovirus outbreak affecting the Finnish squad. A Swiss player has also been isolated due to the virus, although Canada’s scheduled game against Switzerland is still anticipated to proceed.
Blayre Turnbull, a forward for the Canadian team, shared insights into their preventive strategies. “The biggest thing is being extremely diligent in common areas of the village,” she stated. “In the dining hall, we are particularly cautious with communal items, like salad dressings. We’ve ramped up our handwashing significantly; I’ve never washed my hands this much in my life.”
Emphasis on Hygiene and Precaution
Canadian athletes are embracing rigorous hygiene practices to counter the potential spread of norovirus. Mask-wearing and the use of medical gloves, particularly when handling shared condiments, have become common among team members. The team is also striving to maintain physical distance from other competitors, an approach echoed by fellow player Jenn Gardiner. “With so many athletes, staff, and volunteers in one place, it was clear that illness could be a factor,” Gardiner said.
The current situation stands in contrast to the stringent COVID-19 protocols seen during the 2022 Beijing Winter Games, where athletes operated within a “closed loop” system. The absence of such measures in Milan Cortina underscores the ongoing risks associated with large gatherings.
Short-Track Speedskaters on High Alert
Canada’s short-track speedskaters are also on guard, mindful that a stomach virus could jeopardise their chances for success. Kim Boutin, a seasoned competitor, noted the need for increased vigilance: “We need to keep our masks on in public areas, such as shuttles and transit. While we initially planned to be cautious, the current situation requires us to be even more careful.”
Long-track speedskaters, too, are modifying their routines to prioritise health. Three-time Olympic medallist Isabelle Weidemann explained, “Many of us are avoiding the dining hall altogether, focusing instead on hand hygiene and avoiding crowded spaces. We’re either sourcing meals from the Canadian Olympic Committee or taking food out to minimise contact.”
A Collective Effort to Stay Healthy
With the spectre of illness looming over the Games, Canadian athletes are collectively working to safeguard their wellbeing. The camaraderie within the team and the shared commitment to health are evident as they navigate the challenges posed by the virus.
The situation serves as a reminder of the importance of health and safety protocols, especially in high-stakes environments such as the Olympics, where the convergence of talent and the potential for illness can dramatically alter the course of competition.
Why it Matters
The challenges faced by Canadian athletes at the Milan Cortina Olympics highlight the ongoing realities of competing in large international events. While the absence of stringent COVID-19 measures may seem like a step towards normalcy, the emergence of norovirus underscores the importance of vigilance and proactive health measures in protecting athletes’ performance and wellbeing. As they navigate these challenges, the strategies employed by the Canadian team may well serve as a blueprint for other nations facing similar health threats in the future.
