The 2026 Winter Olympics is a thrilling affair for the Ottawa-Gatineau region, with local athletes making their mark on the global stage! But who are these hometown heroes representing Canada and other nations in Milano Cortina?
Speed Skating: A Local Affair
The National Capital Region is well-represented in speed skating, with three athletes racing for Team Canada. Isabelle Weidemann and Ivanie Blondin, both from Ottawa, are long-track speed skaters with promising medal prospects. They'll kick off their Olympic journey in the 3000-metre event on Saturday, aiming to bring glory to their city. And Cédrick Brunet, from Gatineau, will make his Olympic debut in the 500-metre race, following in the footsteps of his family's athletic legacy.
Alpine Skiing: Sibling Power
Ottawa's Jared and Hannah Schmidt, the sibling ski-cross duo, will once again showcase their skills for Team Canada. They'll be joined by Valérie Grenier, who hails from St. Isidore, Ontario, and is a force to be reckoned with in Super-G, downhill, slalom, and combined events. Grenier, a World Cup medalist, is determined to reach the podium at her third Winter Games.
Biathlon: Ottawa's Sharp Shooters
The Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena will witness the talents of two Ottawa-connected athletes: Zachary Connelly and Shilo Rousseau. They might even compete together in the 4x6 kilometre mixed relay on February 8, a thrilling prospect for local fans.
Bobsleigh: Former Football Stars Turned Bobsledders
Canada's bobsleigh team features three athletes with Ottawa ties, including two former Carleton University football players. Mike Evelyn O'Higgins and Jay Dearborn will push the two-man sled, while Keaton Bruggeling, a former Ottawa RedBlack, joins them for the four-man event. These athletes are set to showcase their speed and strength on the icy tracks.
Cross-Country Skiing: Veteran Representation
Two veteran skiers from the Gatineau area, Antoine Cyr and Katherine Stewart-Jones, will represent Canada at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium. They'll kick off their Olympic journey with the skiathlon, aiming to navigate the challenging course with precision and endurance.
Curling: Team Homan's Quest for Gold
Team Homan, led by Ottawa's own Rachel Homan, is on a mission to secure an Olympic medal. After missing the curling podium in 2018 and the mixed doubles podium in 2022, Homan and her teammate Emma Miskew are determined to make their mark in Cortina. They'll have the support of the Ottawa Curling Club, where many fans will be eagerly watching their progress.
Figure Skating: Eastern Ontario's Grace and Power
Two figure skaters from eastern Ontario will grace the ice for Canada. Trennt Michaud, from Trenton, will compete in pairs, while Paul Poirier, an Ottawa native, will showcase his skills in ice dance. Poirier and his partner Piper Gilles are considered medal hopefuls, adding to the excitement for local fans.
Hockey: Professional Players Face Off
The Olympic hockey tournament will see players from Ottawa's professional teams compete against each other. Brianne Jenner, Emily Clark, and Jocelyne Larocque from the Ottawa Charge will represent Canada, while Gwyneth Philips and Rory Guilday will play for the U.S. team. The Ottawa Senators will also have representation, with Brady Tkachuk and Jake Sanderson playing for the U.S. and Nikolas Matinpalo, Sanni Ahola, and Ronja Savolainen representing Finland. The tournament promises intense competition and the chance for local fans to cheer on their favorite players.
And the Support Crew...
Jean "Rocky" Lamontagne, a longtime volunteer with the Ottawa Pacers Speed Skating Club, will be the chief starter for men's short-track speed skating events. His contribution is a testament to the dedication of those behind the scenes.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics is a celebration of athletic excellence, and the Ottawa-Gatineau region is well-represented. These athletes are not just competing; they're inspiring their communities and carrying the spirit of their hometowns to the international stage. And that's what makes the Olympics so special—the coming together of diverse talents and passions from all corners of the globe.
