Canada wins silver in short-track speedskating mixed team relay at 2026 Olympics
Canada secured a silver medal in the mixed team relay of short-track speedskating at the 2026 Olympics, finishing behind gold medalist Italy.
At the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, Canada achieved its first silver medal in the short-track speedskating mixed team relay, showcasing a remarkable performance by athletes William Dandjinou, Courtney Sarault, Kim Boutin, and Felix Roussel. The Canadian team faced tough competition from the Italian host team, which clinched the gold, while Belgium rounded out the podium with a bronze. This event is renowned for its thrilling and frantic nature, with teams of four skaters battling against each other on a tight oval track.
The mixed team relay in short-track speedskating involves skaters racing in a fast-paced environment where precision and strategy are critical. Teams must not only rely on their skating speed but also execute smooth transitions as they tag in teammates, which can involve physical pushes to maintain momentum. Given the complexities of the race, including the risks of falls and crashes that can derail a team's performance, the challenge is not just about speed but also about teamwork and coordination amongst the skaters.
The atmosphere at the Milano Ice Skating Arena was electric, with a passionate crowd cheering for their teams as they navigated the challenging course. The performance of the Canadian squad signals a strong showing for the nation at these Olympics, and although they fell short of the gold, their silver medal win adds to Canada’s impressive history in winter sports and sets a precedent for upcoming events throughout the games.