More than half of Canada’s Olympic competitors in the upcoming Milan Cortina Games will be participating in their first Winter Olympics, according to an announcement by the Canadian Olympic Committee. Out of the 207 athletes representing Canada in Italy, 109 will be making their debut at the prestigious event.
The Canadian team, led by Olympic moguls skiing champion Jennifer Heil serving as the chef de mission, is described as embodying the core values of the nation, showcasing determination and pride rooted in respect. Notably, 47 of the Canadian athletes have previously won Olympic medals, with veterans like Marie-Philip Poulin, Valerie Maltais, and Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes gearing up for their fifth Olympic appearance.
Eric Myles, the Chief Sport Officer of the COC, expressed anticipation for the remarkable performances of the Canadian athletes in Milan Cortina, emphasizing the dedication and resilience required for these athletes to make it to the Olympic stage. The competition, spanning from February 6 to 22, will feature nearly 3,000 athletes from 93 countries spread across six Olympic villages throughout Northern Italy, covering an expansive area of 22,000 square kilometers.
The athletes will compete in 116 events across ice and snow disciplines, spanning eight sports and 16 categories. The opening ceremony on February 6 will be broadcast live on CBC-TV, with coverage available on CBC Gem and the CBC Olympic website for viewers to enjoy the spectacle.
Additionally, apart from the athletes, the Canadian delegation will include 231 national sport organization support staff and coaches. The team will receive support from 181 Canadian Olympic Committee Mission Team members, including former Canadian Olympians and Pan American Games athletes, ensuring a robust support network for the competitors.
The Canadian roster for the Games boasts a diverse mix of athletes, with 108 identifying as female or competing in women’s events and 99 identifying as male or participating in men’s events. Noteworthy individuals include the youngest competitor, Felicity Geremia at 18, and the oldest, Deanna Stellato-Dudek at 42. The team also features sets of siblings competing in various disciplines, showcasing the familial bonds within the Canadian contingent.
As the anticipation builds for the Milan Cortina Games, the Canadian athletes are primed to showcase their talents on the global stage, supported by a dedicated team and a nation cheering them on from afar.