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As the countdown to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games begins, excitement builds around Canada’s snowboard team. With a roster featuring Olympic medallists and emerging talent, this year’s team is poised to make a significant impact in events like snowboard cross, halfpipe, and parallel giant slalom. The Canadian Olympic Committee, alongside Canada Snowboard, has officially announced the athletes who will represent the nation on this prestigious stage.
Leading the charge are Éliot Grondin and Meryeta O’Dine, both of whom have previously stood on the Olympic podium. Grondin, a remarkable talent from Sainte-Marie, Quebec, is the reigning world champion in men’s snowboard cross and a two-time winner of the World Cup Crystal Globe. O’Dine, hailing from Prince George, British Columbia, showcased her skills by clinching a bronze medal in the women’s snowboard cross at the 2022 Beijing Games.
Key members of the snowboard cross team
The Canadian snowboard cross team comprises six competitors, including the celebrated Grondin and O’Dine. Teammates Liam Moffat, Evan Bichon, Tess Critchlow, and Audrey McManiman complete the lineup. Moffat, competing in his second Olympic Games, aims to build on his previous experience, while Bichon will make his Olympic debut after participating in the Winter Youth Olympic Games.
Aiming for the podium
Grondin and O’Dine have not only demonstrated exceptional individual prowess but have also excelled as a duo. They earned a bronze medal in the mixed team event during the last Olympics, highlighting their synergy and competitive spirit. Grondin expressed his gratitude for being named to the team for the third time, emphasizing the honor of wearing Canada’s colors and the importance of enjoying the process while striving for victory.
Halfpipe and parallel giant slalom competitors
In addition to snowboard cross, Canada will be well-represented in the halfpipe event. Leading the women’s team is Elizabeth Hosking, a seasoned competitor who has previously reached the Olympic stage. At just 24 years old, she is already making waves, having secured a world championship silver medal in 2026 and a recent World Cup gold medal in Calgary.
Joining her are Brooke D’Hondt and Felicity Geremia. D’Hondt, the youngest member of Team Canada in the last Olympics, has consistently performed well at the world championships, while Geremia, at only 18, is excited to make her Olympic debut. She reflects on the journey leading up to this moment and acknowledges the support she has received along the way.
Thriving in parallel giant slalom
The parallel giant slalom squad consists of four talented athletes: Kaylie Buck, Arnaud Gaudet, Ben Heldman, and Aurélie Moisan. Both Buck and Gaudet will compete for the second time at the Olympics, having made their debuts in Beijing. Buck recently celebrated a career milestone with a second-place finish in Cortina d’Ampezzo, marking her first World Cup podium.
Moisan, a three-time junior world champion, is also set to make her Olympic debut, bringing a wealth of experience from her victories in junior competitions. Meanwhile, Heldman, who has already proven himself as a double gold medallist at the junior level, is eager to showcase his talents on the Olympic stage.
Event schedule and preparations
The snowboard events at the Milano-Cortina Games will take place at the stunning Livigno Snow Park. The parallel giant slalom events are slated for February 8, followed by the halfpipe competition, which will commence on February 11. The individual snowboard cross events are scheduled for February 12 and 13, culminating in the mixed team event on February 15.
With a mix of seasoned veterans and promising newcomers, Team Canada’s snowboarders are poised to make their mark at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The athletes, alongside their coaches and support staff, are dedicated to achieving excellence and capturing the hearts of fans worldwide.