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The anticipation for the upcoming Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics is palpable, especially for three exceptional Canadian athletes: Lewis Irving, Marion Thénault, and Miha Fontaine. These talented skiers are not just aiming to compete; they aspire to elevate their performance and bring home medals. Having previously secured bronze at the inaugural mixed team aerials event in Beijing, they are now focused on achieving even greater heights.
Training in the picturesque setting of the Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park in Italy will serve as a backdrop for their preparations. As the trio navigates this challenging terrain, they reflect on their experiences from Beijing and set their sights on the upcoming competition.
Reflecting on past achievements and future goals
Fontaine, who made a significant impact during his Olympic debut, emphasized the importance of enjoyment in performance. He remarked, “If you’re not having fun, how can you even perform?” This mindset helped him secure a bronze medal, and now he is eager to apply the lessons learned from that experience to his training regimen.
Progressing through practice
Since his Olympic journey, Fontaine has dedicated himself to enhancing his skills on the World Cup circuit. He has successfully executed a quadruple twisting double backflip and has now set his sights on a more complex maneuver involving five twists. “It’s vital to keep pushing my limits,” he stated, highlighting the importance of continual improvement. Despite the challenges inherent in the sport, Fontaine remains committed to enjoying the process.
Thénault, another key member of the team, has also undergone substantial growth since her rookie season. She recently achieved a silver medal in Ruka, Finland, and is determined to secure a podium finish at the upcoming Games. Thénault has also taken strides to make her journey more sustainable, collaborating with a consulting firm to calculate and mitigate the environmental impact of her travel.
Preparing for the Olympic stage
As the oldest member of the team, Irving brings a wealth of experience, having participated in two previous Olympic Games. He aims to leverage his extensive background to improve upon his last performance. “I want to utilize these twelve years of experience to achieve even better results,” he remarked, indicating his intention to earn two medals this time around.
Facing the challenges ahead
Given Irving’s journey, which included a serious injury following the Beijing Olympics, he’s contemplating whether this might be his final Olympic appearance. “It could be my last season, but I want to cherish every moment of it,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of camaraderie and enjoyment in the sport.
In preparation for the Winter Olympics, the team has gained invaluable insights from their previous experiences at the Livigno venue. During the World Cup finals, they had the opportunity to compete at the same location, allowing them to familiarize themselves with the conditions they will face. “Understanding the in-run and jump timing is a considerable advantage,” Fontaine noted, as they gear up for the competition.
Unlike the controlled environment of the Beijing facilities, athletes in Livigno must contend with natural elements, including wind and fog, which can drastically affect performance. Irving highlighted the unpredictability of the weather, stating, “In the afternoons, the wind picks up, and fog can roll in unexpectedly.” This added layer of complexity requires the athletes to remain adaptable and prepared for any scenario.
A new era at the Winter Olympics
The upcoming Winter Olympics promises to be a landmark event, especially with the notable representation of female athletes, who will comprise 47% of the participants. Thénault expressed her excitement about competing in such a balanced setting, “I’m thrilled to see a high level of competition where women are showcasing their skills.”
As the trio embarks on their journey toward the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, they are not only focused on individual achievements but are also committed to making their sport more environmentally friendly. With their eyes set on the podium, these Canadian freestylers are ready to make their mark on the Olympic stage.