10 Canadian Athletes to Watch as the 2026 Olympics Near
Top Canadians to Watch
With just one year until the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Canada’s top athletes are fine-tuning their skills to bring home the gold. From seasoned veterans looking to cement their legacy to rising stars poised to make their mark, there’s no shortage of talent ready to take center stage.
As the countdown continues, let’s break down the top Canadians you need to keep an eye on when the world’s biggest sporting event kicks off next February.
Marie-Philip Poulin (Ice Hockey)
At this point, it’s hard to talk about Olympic hockey without mentioning Marie-Philip Poulin. Known as “Captain Clutch” for her ability to deliver in high-pressure moments, Poulin has already solidified herself as one of the greatest Canadian hockey players of all time. With multiple Olympic gold medals in her collection, she’ll once again lead Team Canada in their quest for dominance.
Canada will have an uphill battle against a strong U.S. squad, but with Poulin at the helm, they remain a powerhouse threat.
Mikaël Kingsbury (Freestyle Skiing – Moguls)
When you think of mogul skiing royalty, Mikaël Kingsbury is the undisputed king. The most decorated moguls skier in history, Kingsbury has made winning look effortless throughout his career.
Since his Olympic debut in 2014, he has consistently dominated the competition, and Milan-Cortina 2026 will likely be his final Olympic appearance. Expect Kingsbury to go all out in his bid for another gold.
Isabelle Weidemann (Speed Skating)
The long-track leader of Team Canada, Isabelle Weidemann was a revelation in Beijing 2022, taking home three medals, including an unforgettable team pursuit gold.
With her experience and stamina, she’s a serious contender in the 3000m and 5000m events once again. Watch for Weidemann to glide her way to another podium finish.
Summer McIntosh (Swimming – Yes, Swimming!)
Wait, swimming? Isn’t this the Winter Olympics?
Yes, and no, but hear us out! Rising superstar Summer McIntosh may not be competing in Milan-Cortina (she’s a summer Olympian, after all), but she’s still a Canadian athlete to watch out for leading up to Paris 2024. With multiple world records to her name, she’ll make a splash at the Summer Games.
This isn’t a mistakejust a reminder that Canada produces world-class athletes in every season.
Valérie Maltais (Short & Long Track Speed Skating)
A force in both short track and long track speed skating, Valérie Maltais made history at Beijing 2022 by helping Canada secure gold in team pursuit.
Heading into her fourth Olympic Games, the 33-year-old veteran remains a dual-threat competitor. No matter the event, Maltais is always a skater to watch.
Jack Crawford (Alpine Skiing)
Canada hasn’t been a dominant force in men’s downhill skiing for some timeuntil now. Jack Crawford stunned the skiing world at Beijing 2022, earning a surprise bronze in the alpine combined event.
Now with more experience and confidence, he’s got his sights set on bigger things. Watch for Crawford to challenge the best in the world on one of the sport’s biggest stages.
Brooke D’Hondt (Snowboarding – Halfpipe)
A name you might not know yet, but soon will! Brooke D’Hondt exploded onto the scene as a teenager and continues to make waves in the snowboard halfpipe.
At just 20 years old by the time the Games hit Milan-Cortina, she’ll be a legitimate medal threat against some of the world’s best riders.
The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026
With a year to go, the anticipation continues to build for Canada’s Olympic hopefuls. While these names are just a handful of the many Canadian athletes who will compete for glory, they are certain to deliver unforgettable moments.
Will Poulin lead Team Canada to another golden hockey triumph? Can Kingsbury cap his career with one last Olympic victory? Will Weidemann continue her dominance on the ice? Buckle upit’s going to be one incredible ride.
Who’s your favorite Canadian athlete heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics? Let us know in the comments!