Julia Mehre Ystgaard, the head coach for Canada's cross-country ski team, shared her optimistic outlook regarding the team's prospects at the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics. With a sincere belief in their capabilities, she stated that she is confident they can secure medals, which she acknowledges is a bold assertion. Ystgaard attributes this belief to her observations of the athletes' skills and their ability to support and elevate one another during training and competitions. She emphasizes that the focus will be primarily on team events, particularly the men’s relay and women’s team sprint, as key opportunities for medal contention.

Historically, Canada has only secured a total of three Olympic medals in cross-country skiing, all of them won by women. The coach references past successes like Beckie Scott's achievements in 2002 and 2006, where she notably earned gold and silver respectively. Scott, currently the CEO of Nordiq Canada, made history not just with her wins but also by being part of a critical moment in Olympic history when she was upgraded to gold status due to doping infractions by competitors. This historical context adds weight to Ystgaard's aspirations, highlighting the potential for legacy and success in the sport.

As the team prepares for the Olympics, the emphasis on teamwork and mutual support among athletes is seen as a crucial factor in their potential success. With Ystgaard's leadership and a strategic focus on team events, there is a renewed sense of hope for Canadian cross-country skiing on the Olympic stage, daring to aim for more than just participation but for a competitive edge and potential Olympic glory.