The 2026 Olympics are one year away — here are 10 Canadians to watch

The countdown to the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics has officially begun, with exactly 365 days until the start of the highly anticipated event in northern Italy. While competition technically kicks off on Feb. 4, 2026, with mixed doubles curling and women’s hockey and snowboard qualifying, the opening ceremony on Feb. 6 marks the official start of 16 days of intense medal events.

Canadian athletes are expected to shine once again at the upcoming Winter Games, with the country’s average of 26 medals over the past five editions. Here are 10 standout athletes who are poised to continue Canada’s medal-winning streak in Milan-Cortina:

1. Connor McDavid: The NHL superstar will finally have the opportunity to represent Canada on the international stage at the upcoming 4 Nations Face-Off, leading the team in their quest for Olympic glory.

2. Marie-Philip Poulin: The clutch captain of the Canadian women’s hockey team is a four-time Olympic gold medalist and a key player in the team’s pursuit of another victory in Milan-Cortina.

3. Will Dandjinou: The towering short track speed skater has been dominating the World Tour this season, winning seven gold medals and establishing himself as a top contender for multiple Olympic medals.

4. Ivanie Blondin: The long track speed skater has been on a winning streak, claiming gold at the world championships and multiple medals on the World Cup circuit, making her a strong medal contender in Milan-Cortina.

5. Deanna Stellato-Dudek and Maxime Deschamps: The pairs figure skating duo recently won Canada’s first world title in years and are poised to make an impact in their Olympic debut next year.

6. Mikaël Kingsbury: The moguls skiing legend is eyeing his fourth Olympic medal and has been dominant on the World Cup circuit, setting himself up for success in Milan-Cortina.

7. Marielle Thompson: The former ski cross gold medalist is back on top of her game, winning the World Cup title and demonstrating her potential for success at the upcoming Winter Olympics.

8. Éliot Grondin: The snowboard cross medalist is a force to be reckoned with, winning multiple World Cup golds and establishing himself as a top contender for Olympic success in Milan-Cortina.

9. Cassie Sharpe: The Olympic ski halfpipe champion returned to competition after taking time off to become a mom, showcasing her skills with a World Cup bronze and a gold medal at the Winter X Games.

10. Jack Crawford: The alpine skier made headlines with a historic World Cup victory and has proven himself as a strong contender for multiple medals at the Winter Olympics, following his success at the 2022 Games and the 2023 world championships.

With these talented athletes leading the charge, Team Canada is poised for success at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics in 2026. Stay tuned for more updates and coverage as the countdown to the Games continues.