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Canada’s short track speed skating team for the Milano Cortina Olympic Games was announced on Wednesday, and the 10-athlete roster boasts plenty of star power.
Led by William Dandjinou and Courtney Sarault, the respective men’s and women’s Crystal Globe winners at this year’s World Tour, the Canadian short track team is expected to be in medal contention in every event at the Games.
Sarault skated to nine individual medals (five gold, three silver, one bronze) across the four World Tour stops and feels that she’s built plenty of momentum heading into the Winter Games.
“Qualifying for my second Olympics is really something special, especially because I’m feeling strong and at the top of my game,” Sarault said in a statement. “Representing Canada is something I take a lot of pride in, and I’m really excited to compete and show the world what I have to give.
Moncton’s Courtney Sarault and Montreal’s William Dandjinou received Crystal Globes after being crowned overall champions of the short track speed skating World Tour.
The 24-year-old will compete in her second Olympic Winter Games alongside Danaé Blais and Florence Brunelle. Four-time Olympic medallist Kim Boutin will represent Canada at her third Olympic Winter Games, while Rikki Doak will make her Olympic debut.
Milano Cortina will also see the return of spectators to Olympic venues, a change from the COVID-19 protocols that marked the Beijing 2022 experience for athletes like Sarault.
“I’ve changed a lot since Beijing and feel I’m mentally and physically ready going into these Games. I’m looking forward to having my friends and family in Milan to support me, and people in the stands to cheer me on,” she said. “Really excited to get to live a true Olympic experience and enjoy the moment.”
Dandjinou, Dubois lead strong men’s roster
The men’s side boasts a surplus of talent from both the rookie and veteran Olympic athletes.
Dandjinou will make his Olympic debut after reaching the World Tour podium eight times (seven gold, one silver) and earning his second consecutive individual Crystal Globe.
Host Ariel Helwani sits down with the short track speed skater from Montreal to discuss his meteoric rise in the sport, and if he’s feeling the pressure of multiple medal expectations leading into Milano Cortina 2026.
Steven Dubois is a three-time Olympic medallist, having won a medal of each colour in his Olympic debut at Beijing 2022, including gold in the 5000m relay with teammates Jordan Pierre-Gilles and Maxime Laoun.
Dubois began this past World Tour season coming off a hip injury, but still finished third in the overall standings. Pierre-Gilles and Laoun will also compete in their second Winter Games while Félix Roussel will make his Olympic debut.
The Canadian short track team has a history of success at the Winter Games, winning 37 Olympic medals (10 gold, 13 silver, 14 bronze) since it was officially added to the Olympic program at Albertville 1992.
“Canada has firmly established itself as a global powerhouse in short track speed skating, earning back-to-back team Crystal Globes,” Joe Morissette, chief executive officer of Speed Skating Canada, said. “We’re thrilled that these 10 exceptional athletes will have the chance to showcase their world-class talent on the Olympic stage at Milano Cortina 2026. Their success is built on a foundation of teamwork and relentless dedication, supported by coaches and staff who have created a culture where excellence thrives.
“We can’t wait to see them inspire Canadians with their performances on the ice in Italy this February.”
Canada’s Olympic short track roster:
- Danaé Blais – Châteauguay, Que.
- Kim Boutin – Sherbrooke, Que.
- Florence Brunelle – Trois-Rivières, Que.
- Rikki Doak – Fredericton
- Courtney Sarault – Moncton, N.B.
- William Dandjinou – Montreal
- Steven Dubois – Terrebonne, Que.
- Maxime Laoun – Montreal
- Jordan Pierre-Gilles – Sherbrooke, Que.
- Félix Roussel – Sherbrooke, Que.
Alternates:
- Claudia Gagnon – La Baie, Que.
- Ann-Sophie Bachand – Sherbrooke, Que.
- Mathieu Pelletier – Laval, Que.
- Philippe Daudelin – Trois-Rivières, Que.
