The 2026 Winter Olympics are set to kick off in northern Italy in 100 days, starting with the opening ceremony at the historic San Siro Stadium in Milan. As the excitement builds, here are 10 Canadian athletes to keep an eye on as they gear up for the Games and strive for success on a global scale:

– **Will Dandjinou (short track speed skating):** Canada dominated the short track scene last season, with Dandjinou leading the charge by clinching multiple victories and medals. As he prepares for his Olympic debut, Dandjinou continues to impress with strong performances this season.

– **Rachel Homan (curling):** Despite past Olympic disappointments, Homan’s team is a strong contender for the women’s gold in Milan after recent successes at the world championships and Grand Slam events.

– **Connor McDavid (hockey):** The renowned hockey star aims to add an Olympic gold to his impressive list of achievements, as NHL players return to the Games for the first time in years.

– **Marie-Philip Poulin (hockey):** The veteran leader of the Canadian women’s team looks to make her mark with a potential fifth Olympic appearance, building on her remarkable legacy in the sport.

– **Mikaël Kingsbury (freestyle skiing):** With an outstanding track record in moguls, Kingsbury eyes a historic fourth consecutive double gold at the Olympics after a stellar season on the World Cup circuit.

– **Ivanie Blondin (long track speed skating):** An Olympic gold medalist and consistent medal winner, Blondin remains a top contender in long track speed skating with her impressive performances.

– **Jack Crawford (alpine skiing):** Crawford’s notable victories in alpine skiing, including a historic win at Kitzbühel, position him as a strong contender for success at the upcoming Olympics.

– **Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier (figure skating):** The ice dance duo aims to secure a podium finish at the Olympics, showcasing their skill and determination in a competitive field.

– **Éliot Grondin (snowboard cross):** Grondin’s rise to the top in snowboard cross has been marked by impressive wins and titles, making him a force to be reckoned with at the Games.

– **Reece Howden (ski cross):** Leading the charge in ski cross, Howden’s remarkable season performances position him as a top medal contender, alongside other strong Canadian athletes.

As these athletes prepare to represent Canada on the global stage, the anticipation for the 2026 Winter Olympics continues to build.