Team Canada @ Milano Cortina 2026: Day 2 Watch Guide

Team Canada is building momentum at Milano Cortina 2026, following Valérie Maltais’s medal-winning performance on Day 1. Today’s schedule presents a diverse range of opportunities for Canadian athletes to shine, with key events in alpine skiing, biathlon, figure skating, and more. While the early days of the Games often set the tone, it’s crucial to remember that the Olympics are a marathon, not a sprint – consistency and peaking at the right time are paramount.

Alpine Skiing: Grenier Eyes Repeat Success

Valérie Grenier returns to the Tofane Alpine Skiing Centre, the site of her first World Cup downhill podium two years ago. The downhill event is notoriously unforgiving, and conditions in Cortina can change rapidly, making experience and adaptability vital. Cassidy Gray, competing alongside Grenier, will be looking to build on her World Cup experience. The women’s downhill is a bellwether event for the alpine skiing program, and a strong showing here could signal a successful Games for the team.

Biathlon: A New Generation Takes the Stage

The mixed relay marks a significant moment for Canadian biathlon, with four athletes – Adam Runnalls, Jasper Fleming, Pascale Paradis, and Nadia Moser – set to compete in their first Olympic race. Canada has been steadily investing in its biathlon program, and this relay represents the culmination of those efforts. While a medal may be a stretch given the dominance of nations like Norway and Sweden, a strong performance and clean shooting would be a major step forward. The biathlon events are often decided by small margins, and the unpredictable nature of the sport makes it a compelling watch.

Cross-Country Skiing: Cyr and Drolet Lead the Charge

Antoine Cyr, Rémi Drolet, Max Hollmann, and Xavier McKeever will compete in the men’s 20km skiathlon. Cross-country skiing demands incredible endurance and tactical awareness. Canada has historically been a mid-tier competitor in cross-country, but the team is showing signs of improvement, particularly with the emergence of younger athletes like Drolet.

Curling: A Must-Win Situation

The Canadian mixed doubles curling team, led by Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant, faces a critical day with matches against Sweden and South Korea. Their struggles in the early stages of the tournament highlight the increased competitiveness in curling at the Olympic level. A turnaround is needed to avoid an early exit and demonstrate the program’s ability to adapt to the evolving landscape of the sport. The team’s performance will be closely scrutinized by fans and analysts alike.

Figure Skating: Team Canada’s Medal Hopes on the Line

Team Canada is within striking distance of a medal in the team figure skating event, but a strong finish is essential. Lia Pereira and Trennt Michaud, Madeline Schizas, and Stephen Gogolev will all be under immense pressure to deliver clean, compelling performances. The team event format rewards consistency across all disciplines, and Canada’s success hinges on its ability to execute its programs flawlessly. A medal here would provide a significant boost to team morale and momentum heading into the individual events.

Snowboard: Parallel Giant Slalom and Big Air Debut

The parallel giant slalom and women’s big air qualification offer opportunities for Canada to make its mark in snowboarding. Kaylie Buck, Aurélie Moisan, Arnaud Gaudet, and Ben Heldman will compete in the parallel giant slalom, while Laurie Blouin and Juliette Pelchat are expected to contend in the women’s big air. Snowboarding continues to be a dynamic and popular Olympic sport, and Canada has a strong tradition of success in the discipline.

Speed Skating – Long Track: Bloemen’s Pursuit of Glory

Ted-Jan Bloemen, a 2018 Olympic silver medallist, will compete in the men’s 5000m. Long track speed skating is a test of both physical endurance and strategic pacing. Bloemen’s experience and tactical acumen will be crucial as he aims to contend for a medal. The 5000m is a demanding event, and the final pairing often sets the pace for the entire competition.

The Forward Look: The next 24-48 hours will be pivotal for Team Canada. Success in figure skating and a turnaround in curling are particularly crucial. Beyond the medals, however, the emergence of new talent in biathlon and cross-country skiing signals a positive trajectory for these programs. The Milano Cortina Games are not just about immediate results; they are about building a foundation for future success. Expect increased scrutiny on the Canadian Olympic Committee’s investment strategies in these developing sports if positive results continue to emerge.