Get ready to cheer for your hometown heroes! Dozens of athletes with ties to Ottawa-Gatineau are set to dazzle at Milano Cortina 2026, representing Canada and other nations across various sports. But here's where it gets exciting: some of these athletes are not just participants—they're medal contenders, and a few are even making their Olympic debut. Will they rise to the occasion? Let's dive in and meet the local stars you won't want to miss.
Speed Skating: The Need for Speed
The National Capital Region is bringing its A-game to the ice oval with three athletes racing for Team Canada:
- Isabelle Weidemann (Ottawa, Ont.) - Long track
- Ivanie Blondin (Ottawa, Ont.) - Long track
- Cédrick Brunet (Gatineau, Que.) - Long track
Weidemann and Blondin are not just competing—they're medal favorites, according to an analysis by CBC Sports. But here's the twist: Brunet, with a family legacy of Olympic and professional athletes, is stepping onto the Olympic stage for the first time. Will he carry on the family tradition? Only time will tell.
Alpine Skiing: Sibling Rivalry and Teamwork
Ottawa's own Jared and Hannah Schmidt are back to race for Team Canada, but they're not the only ones to watch. Valérie Grenier (St. Isidore, Ont.) is aiming for a podium finish in her third Winter Games after multiple World Cup medals. But here's the question: Can she turn her World Cup success into Olympic gold?
Biathlon: Precision and Endurance
Two athletes with Ottawa connections are ones to watch at the Antholz-Anterselva Biathlon Arena:
- Zachary Connelly (Ottawa, Ont.)
- Shilo Rousseau (Thessalon, Ont., University of Ottawa)
Connelly and Rousseau might team up in the 4x6 kilometre mixed relay. But will their partnership lead to victory? It's a thrilling prospect!
Bobsleigh: Strength and Strategy
Canada's bobsleigh team includes three athletes with Ottawa ties, including two former Carleton University football players:
- Mike Evelyn O'Higgins (Ottawa, Ont.) - Two-man and four-man bobsleigh
- Jay Dearborn (Yarker, Ont., former Carleton Raven) - Two-man and four-man bobsleigh
- Keaton Bruggeling (St. Catharines, Ont., former Carleton Raven and Ottawa RedBlack) - Four-man bobsleigh
Evelyn O'Higgins and Dearborn will push Canada's two-man sled, while Bruggeling joins them for the four-man event. But here's the controversial part: Is bobsleigh more about brute strength or strategic teamwork? What do you think?
Cross-Country Skiing: Endurance on Snow
Two veteran skiers from the Gatineau area will represent Canada:
- Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, Que.)
- Katherine Stewart-Jones(Chelsea, Que.)
Stewart-Jones and Cyr will kick off the Games with the skiathlon. But will they dominate on home turf?
Curling: Precision on Ice
Team Homan is in the hunt for gold:
- Rachel Homan(Ottawa, Ont.)
- Emma Miskew(Ottawa, Ont.)
Rachel Homan is aiming for her first Olympic medal after near misses in 2018 and 2022. But here's the part most people miss: Can she finally break through? Let's hope so!
Figure Skating: Grace Under Pressure
Two figure skaters from eastern Ontario will take the ice:
- Trennt Michaud(Trenton, Ont.) - Pairs
- Paul Poirier(Ottawa, Ont.)- Ice Dance
Poirier and his partner Piper Gilles are considered medal hopefuls. Buthere'sthe question: Can they turn artistry into Olympic gold?
Hockey: Local Heroes on the World Stage
Players from Ottawa's professional teams will face off each other in the tournament. Brianne Jenneris aiming for her fourth Olympic medal. Buthere'sthe twist: Can she lead Team Canada to another gold?
Officials & Support Crew: Behindthe Scenes Heroes
Even the unsung heroes onthe ice aren there'sunsung heroes behindthe scenes. Jean 'Rocky' Lamontagne(Ottawa Pacers) will serve as chief starter for men's short track speed skating. Buthere'sthe question: Does it take an official to truly appreciate the behind-the-scenes work?
Let the Games Begin!
The Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics are underway, and these Ottawa-Gatineau athletes are ready to make their mark. From speed skating to hockey, curling to figure skating, each sport brings its own drama. Buthere'sthe real question: Who will emerge as the next Olympic champion from our region? Let's cheer for our local heroes and join the conversation in the comments below! What athlete are you most excited to see succeed?
