Junior Women:

Ella Fuller – Fernie Nordic Society  

Ruby Serrouya – Revelstoke Nordic Ski Club 

Louison Dubief – AWCA – Fernie Nordic Society  

Eula Palmer-Bird – Sovereign Lake Nordic Club 

Sarah-Ève Picard – CNEPH – Mont-Sainte-Anne 

Madeleine Wilkie – Larch Hills Nordic Society   

Junior Men: 

Eamon Wilson – AWCA – Hollyburn Cross-Country Ski Clu 

Raleigh Tarte – AWCA – Kimberley Nordic Club  

Finn Redman – AWCA – Telemark Nordic   

Zachari Moreau – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne  

Teo Wadsworth – Canmore Nordic Ski Club 

Thierry Olivier – CNEPH – Club Nordique Mont-Sainte-Anne 

U23 Women: 

Alison Mackie – AWCA – Edmonton Nordic Ski Club 

Anna Stewart – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Marlie Molinaro – Revelstoke Nordic ski Club 

Katya Semeniuk – AWCA – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

U23 Men: 

Xavier McKeever – AWCA – Foothills Nordic Ski Club 

Luke Allan – Nakkertok Cross-Country Ski Club 

Ry Prior – AWCA – Club Chelsea Nordiq 

Justin Boudreau – CNEPH – Montériski 

Noah Weir Chaba – AWCA – Canmore Nordic Ski Club  

Leading the team are World Junior medalists Xavier McKeever and Alison Mackie, both of whom will also compete at the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games beginning Feb. 6. Mackie, who earned two individual World Junior medals last season, and McKeever will be targeting their first individual podium at the U23 Championships. 

“Our teams this year bring an exceptional combination of depth, experience and momentum,” said Eric de Nys, Nordiq Canada’s acting high‑performance director. “We have athletes who have proven they can excel on the world stage, and a new wave of young skiers who are eager to rise. This group has the talent, resilience and competitive fire to deliver standout performances in Lillehammer.” 

The team will be supported by the following staff: 

• Trip Lead – Matt Smider 
• Trip Lead – Justin Wadsworth 
• Coach – Tormod Vatten
• Coach – Julien Lamoureux 
• Coach – Stephen Hart 
• Coach – Katherine Denis 
• Wax Tech – Adam Pojasok 
• Wax Tech – Renald Briere 
• Wax Tech – Devon Kershaw 
• Wax Tech / Medical Lead – Frank Ackermann  
• Physiotherapy – Greg Redman 

Canada enters the championships as a strong medal contender after recording five individual and one team podiums over the past two years. 

“There’s a real sense of purpose and unity in this team,” says Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “They’re confident, grounded and incredibly capable. We believe in this group not just because of what they’ve achieved, but because of how they carry themselves. They have the mindset and the talent to rise to the moment, and I’m excited to see what they can do in Lillehammer.” 

Calgary, January 30, 2025 – A team of 15 Para nordic skiers, including guides – who compete across Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing – have been nominated to compete for Canada at the Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games, the Canadian Paralympic Committee and Nordiq Canada announced Friday.   

Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team – PARA NORDIC SKIING 

1. Emma Archibald – Fall River, NS 
2. Mark Arendz – Hartsville, PEI  
3. Jesse Bachinsky – Kenora, ON 
4. Levi Nadlersmith (guide for Bachinsky) – Boissevain, MT 
5. Lyne-Marie Bilodeau – Sherbrooke, QC 
6. Collin Cameron – Bracebridge, ON 
7. Brittany Hudak – Prince Albert, SK 
8. Logan Lariviere – Sudbury, ON 
9. Joe Hutton (guide for Lariviere) – Lakeside, ON 
10. Madison Mullin – Fergus, ON 
11. Brooke Ailey (guide for Mullin) – Thunder Bay, ON 
12. Christina Picton – Fonthill, ON  
13. Leo Sammarelli – Vancouver, BC 
14. Natalie Wilkie – Salmon Arm, BC  
15. Derek Zaplotinsky – Smoky Lake, AB  

The squad is led by Mark Arendz, headed to his fifth Paralympic Winter Games. With 12 Paralympic podiums, including a Canadian record six medals at a single Games in 2018, he is one of Canada’s most successful Para athletes of all time.  

“The past four years have been a journey toward this moment, and I’m incredibly proud to be named to my fifth Paralympic Winter Games team,” said Arendz. “I began this quad taking four months away from competition to recover from surgery and reset, always with the goal of returning to the Paralympics. There was a hunger left after Beijing, and now I have the opportunity to put everything together once again and see what I’m capable of. I believe I can put myself in a position to contend for multiple medals in 2026. My focus is on arriving at the start line on March 7 at my best, physically and mentally, trusting my preparation, racing hard and enjoying the experience.” 

Brittany Hudak, one of five co-captains of the Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team, is set for her fourth Games appearance, while Collin Cameron, Natalie Wilkie, and Derek Zaplotinsky will each be competing at their third consecutive Games.  

Arendz, Hudak, Cameron, and Wilkie are the team’s four Paralympic medallists. Alongside Arendz, Wilkie holds seven medals, Cameron six, and Hudak three.  

“I feel very honoured to be named to my fourth Paralympic team and the thought of representing Canada still gives me chills” said Hudak. “It’s such a privilege to compete for Canada on the world stage and I want to hone in on all of that energy for these upcoming Games. The team has had an amazing season so far with podiums and personal bests. I think this really showcases the strength of the team and our ability to perform under pressure and on demand.” 

Lyne-Marie Bilodeau and Christina Picton also are returnees from the Beijing 2022 squad, set for their second Games appearances.  

Eight athletes will be making their Paralympic debuts – Emma Archibald, Leo Sammarelli, Madison Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey, Jesse Bachinsky and guide Levi Nadlersmith, and Logan Lariviere and guide Joe Hutton.  

“Being named to the Paralympic team means reaching a mountain-top goal I’ve worked hard toward since I began this sport!” said Archibald.  “I’m incredibly proud of every step that led me here, and even more excited to represent Canada, my communities, and the Paralympic Movement, using this platform to show our team’s strength and inspire the next generation of Para athletes!” 

Para nordic skiing includes two sports at the Games – Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing. Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been the nation’s most successful at the past two Games, with a record 16 medals in 2018 followed by 14 in 2022.  

The athletes will be joined in Italy by a support staff led by head coach Brian McKeever, Canada’s most decorated Winter Paralympian. This will be McKeever’s first Games as coach following a legendary career spanning six Games with 20 medals.  

1. Team Leader – Marshall Starkman – Calgary, AB  
2. Head Coach Cross Country – Brian McKeever – Canmore, AB 
3. Head Coach Biathlon – Menno Arendz – Hartsville, PEI 
4. Assistant Coach – Leslie Bode – Thunder Bay, ON 
5. Team Coordinator – Haley Morey  
6. Mental Performance – Clare Fewster – Calgary, AB  
7. Jess Kryski – IST Lead/Physiologist  
8. Massage Therapy – Sarah Stephen – Yellowknife, NT 
9. Physiotherapy – Shane Munro – Canmore, AB  
10. Head Wax Technician – Lahav Wolach – Calgary, AB  
11. Wax Technician – Andrew Vanden Berg – Thunder Bay, ON  
12. Ski Pilot – Russell Kennedy – Canmore, AB  
13. Ski Pilot – Jacqueline Akerman 
14. Ski Pilot – Patrick Moore  
15. Aide – Tamara Howard – Kenora, ON  

Para nordic skiing competition will take place March 7-15 at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium located in the Val di Fiemme region of Italy. The schedule is as follows: 

March 7: Para Biathlon 12.5km Individual 
March 8: Para Cross-Country Sprint Classic
March 10: Para Biathlon 7.5km Sprint 
March 11: Para Cross-Country 20km Free
March 13: Para Biathlon Sprint Pursuit
March 14: Para Cross-Country Relays
March 15: Para Cross-Country Middle Distance 

“Congratulations to all 15 Para nordic skiers heading to Milano Cortina,” said Mac Marcoux, honorary captain, Milano Cortina 2026 Canadian Paralympic Team. “Canada’s Para nordic skiing team has been a world leader for many years now, and I am stoked to welcome back such incredible Paralympians like Mark, Natalie, Brittany, and Collin. With eight athletes making their Paralympic debuts as well, the future of Para nordic skiing is bright. It is going to be a very exciting Games watching this team compete.”  

The Milano Cortina 2026 Paralympic Winter Games will take place March 6-15, 2026 and feature athletes competing in six sports – Para alpine skiing, Para ice hockey, Para nordic skiing (Para biathlon and Para cross-country skiing), Para snowboard, and wheelchair curling. Canada is expecting to send a team of approximately 50 athletes.  

CLICK HERE to see the complete list of athletes currently nominated to the Canadian Paralympic Team. 

Prior to being officially named to the Canadian Paralympic Team, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Paralympic Committee. The approved final roster will be announced closer to the start of the Games.  

About the Canadian Paralympic Committee: Paralympic.ca   

About Nordiq Canada: NordiqCanada.ca 
 

MEDIA CONTACTS 

Nicole Watts
Senior Manager, Communications & PR
Canadian Paralympic Committee
nwatts@paralympic.ca / 613-462-2700 

Nathaniel Mah 
Para Nordic Skiing Media Attaché
Nordiq Canada
nmah@nordiqcanada.ca / 403-700-4927
 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt had initially been designated as the first alternate. She was added to the roster after the International Ski Federation’s quota reallocation process awarded Canada an additional women’s spot. 

“Olivia has earned this opportunity through strong results,” said Eric de Nys, acting high‑performance director at Nordiq Canada. “Her consistent form on the World Cup circuit shows she’s ready to line up against the best in the world. We’re incredibly proud to have her on this team and know she will represent Canada with determination, professionalism and heart.” 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt has delivered a series of strong performances this season, including a 27th‑place finish in the Tour de Ski sprint and an 11th‑place result in the women’s team sprint in Goms alongside teammate Liliane Gagnon. 

“I’m so excited to join the team heading to Milano Cortina. To be part of this squad is such a privilege, especially at a time when there is so much momentum within the team,” Bouffard‑Nesbitt said. “It feels like we’re on this tremendous upswing, and I’m committed to doing whatever I can to contribute to the positive energy of this team.” 

Bouffard‑Nesbitt competed at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games. Her addition strengthens a young and emerging Canadian women’s squad heading into 2026, bringing sprinting power, international experience and proven readiness on major stages to bolster Canada’s depth and relay potential. 

Team Canada’s cross‑country skiing roster for Milano Cortina 2026 now includes: 

Women:
Olivia Bouffard‑Nesbitt (Morin Heights, Que.)
Jasmine Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Liliane Gagnon (Shawinigan‑Sud, Que.)
Alison Mackie (Edmonton, Alta.)
Sonjaa Schmidt (Whitehorse, Yuk.)
Katherine Stewart‑Jones (Chelsea, Que.)
Amelia Wells (Victoria, B.C.) 

Men:
Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, Que.)
Rémi Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Max Hollmann (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
Xavier McKeever (Canmore, Alta.)
Tom Stephen (Calgary, Alta.) 

Cross-country skiing will take place February 7 to 22, 2026 (Days 1 to 16) at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in the Val di Fiemme region. 

Natalie Wilkie closed out a dominant campaign in style, shooting clean and racing to her sixth victory of the season in the final individual race. The performance sealed the overall Crystal Globe in the women’s standing category, adding yet another gold medal to an already remarkable season. 

“This was one of my most consistent seasons on the range, and I’m glad to see it paid off,” said Wilkie. “One of my main goals outside of performing at the Paralympic Winter Games was winning an overall Para Biathlon title, and to see it become a reality is truly an amazing feeling.” 

Wilkie finished atop the overall Para Biathlon World Cup standings with 885 points, claiming the Crystal Globe ahead of teammate Brittany Hudak, who placed second overall with 662 points. American Danielle Aravich rounded out the podium, finishing third with 629 points.  

The overall title in the men’s standing category came down to the final race of the season, with France’s Benjamin Daviet holding a six-point lead over Arendz going into the individual race. With the pressure higher than ever, Arendz delivered, shooting clean and powering through the course to claim the win and overall World Cup title.  

“To come down to not only the final race, but the final lap, where I needed to hold onto my four-second lead to win the race and the overall is as exciting as it gets,” said Arendz. “The overall Crystal Globe signifies consistency throughout the season, and that’s what we as a team were able to do in three categories. It shows our strength as a team as we now look towards the Paralympics.” 

The win secured Arendz his fifth career Crystal Globe, further cementing his place among the world’s top Para biathletes. 

Arendz finished with 765 points, edging France’s Benjamin Daviet, who placed second overall with 761 points. Fellow French skier Karl Tabouret completed the overall podium in third with 636 points.  

Consistency was the hallmark of Derek Zaplotinsky’s season, and it paid off with his first career Crystal Globe, marking a major milestone in his international career. 

“This one means a lot,” said Zaplotinsky. “It’s always been a dream of mine to win a Crystal Globe, and to finally do it on a Paralympic year is just icing on the cake. I’ve been consistent this year, and really happy with my racing and shooting, it means a lot to be taking this back to Canada with me.”  

Zaplotinsky finished the season with 666 points, securing the overall Crystal Globe ahead of Britain’s Scott Meenagh, who finished second with 577 points. Ukraine’s Taras Rad rounded out the overall podium in third with 570 points. 

With three Crystal Globes secured and momentum higher than ever, the team now turns its focus toward final preparations for the upcoming Paralympic Winter Games starting March 6.  

“Partnerships with Canadian companies who believe in Canadian athletes are incredibly meaningful to us,” said Beckie Scott, CEO of Nordiq Canada. “Burnbrae Farms’ commitment to quality, nutrition, and community aligns perfectly with our values. As our teams head overseas, it’s powerful to know they are being supported by a proudly Canadian partner.” 

“We are eggstremely proud to partner with Nordiq Canada to support and fuel Canadian athletes,” said Margaret Hudson, President & CEO at Burnbrae Farms Limited.  “This partnership is aligned with our family values of giving back to local communities, through grassroots and national programs to enhance the lives of Canadians.” 

Strong nutrition habits play an important role in athlete preparation, recovery, and long competition blocks, helping athletes meet the physical demands of training and racing throughout the season. 

“As an athlete, having foods you trust makes a big difference, especially when you’re training hard and travelling a lot,” said Collin Cameron, National Ski Team athlete and two-time world champion. “Eggs are something I eat almost every morning before training. Knowing that a Canadian company like Burnbrae Farms is choosing to invest in our team and support Canadian athletes makes that daily routine even more meaningful.” 

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to excellence, health, and supporting Canadian success on the world stage. 

“High performance is built on strong fundamentals,” Scott said. “We’re thrilled to welcome Burnbrae Farms as a partner and grateful for their support as our athletes pursue their goals internationally.” 

For more information about Burnbrae Farms, visit https://www.burnbraefarms.com/ 

The defining feature of the World Cup stop was the weather. Heavy snowfall and gusting winds created slow course conditions and required constant wind adjustments on the shooting range. Combined with occasional rifle issues, athletes were pushed to manage not only physical demands, but significant technical and mental challenges as well.

12.5‑kilometre individual

In the men’s standing 12.5‑kilometre individual, Mark Arendz continued his winning streak, capturing his fourth World Cup victory of the season after shooting 18 for 20 and finishing in 36:16.4.

“We woke up with lots of fresh snow and the wind really picked up on the range,” said Arendz. “When I missed early, it put pressure on the rest of the shots. I focused on what I could control and skied as hard as I could to the line. It wasn’t the easiest one, mentally or physically.”

Top 3 — Men’s Standing Individual

1. Mark Arendz (CAN) — 36:16.4
2. Benjamin Daviet (FRA) — 36:45.6
3. Wu Junbao (CHN) — 36:49.9

In the women’s standing individual, Natalie Wilkie extended her winning streak, shooting 20 for 20 to claim gold in 39:50.1. Brittany Hudak joined her on the podium in third, finishing in 40:52.3 after one shooting penalty.

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Individual

1. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 39:50.1
2. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 39:56.2
3. Brittany Hudak (CAN) — 40:52.3

Derek Zaplotinsky, the current men’s sitting World Cup overall leader, placed sixth in the individual in 44:04.8 with two misses. Christina Picton also finished sixth in the women’s sitting individual in 52:27.3, while Maddie Mullin and guide Brooke Ailey crossed the line seventh in 30:49.0 in the women’s vision‑impaired race.

Sprint pursuit

In sprint pursuit qualification, both Wilkie and Arendz shot eight for 10, earning starting positions of fourth and seventh, respectively, for the final. Hudak shot clean in qualification to start the final in third.

Wilkie began the final in pursuit of China’s Zhao Zhiqing and Guo Yujie, along with teammate Hudak. The two Canadians worked together through the opening lap and entered the range at the same time for the first shoot. Wilkie delivered a perfect 10 for 10 in the final, racing to second in 17:20.9 to earn her fifth consecutive podium. Hudak finished fifth in 18:19.5 after three misses in her second shooting stage.

“It was a really good week for our entire team,” said Wilkie. “There was a lot of teamwork, testing skis, building each other up and sharing information, and that really showed. I think when I’m racing happy and enjoying what I’m doing, I stay more relaxed, and that’s when I’m able to put together my best performances. This week had some really challenging moments with the weather, but as a team we did a good job keeping the energy positive.”

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Sprint Pursuit

1. Guo Yujie (CHN) — 17:20.9
2. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 17:52.7
3. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 18:11.5

In the men’s standing sprint pursuit final, Arendz leaned on ski speed to move through the field, but one miss in his first bout made the gap to first too great to close. He finished third in 15:11.3, marking his 100th career World Cup start and 60th career podium.

Top 3 — Men’s Standing Sprint Pursuit

1. Marco Maier (GER) — 15:11.3
2. Cai Jiayun (CHN) — 15:14.7
3. Mark Arendz (CAN) — 15:35.6

With two shooting penalties in the final, Zaplotinsky placed fifth in 22:53.4.

7.5‑kilometre sprint

After waking up with sore throats, both Arendz and Picton opted not to start the final day’s sprint in Notschrei, choosing to prioritize recovery ahead of upcoming cross‑country races and the Paralympics.

“It was a difficult decision,” said Arendz. “Racing while you’re coming down with something can lead to longer recovery and missing races. The goal this season is to be at my best for the Paralympics.”

Heading into the women’s standing 7.5‑kilometre sprint, Wilkie and Hudak knew the competition from China would be fierce.

With calm conditions on the final day, clean shooting became a requirement to contend for victory. Wilkie delivered once again, posting a clean race to finish second in 23:25.1, just 7.7 seconds behind Zhao Zhiqing (CHN). Hudak recorded one miss but produced one of her strongest ski performances of the week, finishing third in 24:42.1 to earn her second podium at the World Cup stop.

“I was really happy with how I executed my race today,” said Hudak. “I had one miss on the range, but I felt strong on the skis and was able to push hard the entire way. My legs felt much better than they did earlier in the week, and that allowed me to really race with confidence.”

This World Cup stop marked Canada’s first opportunity this season to race against China, which fielded a full and competitive team across all categories.

“Racing such strong competition pushes everyone to a higher level,” she said. “China has a really competitive team, and having them on the start line forces you to be sharp in every part of the race. That’s exactly what you want heading toward the Games, full fields, hard racing and a clear picture of where you need to keep improving.”

Top 3 — Women’s Standing Sprint

1. Zhao Zhiqing (CHN) — 23:17.7
2. Natalie Wilkie (CAN) — 23:25.1
3. Brittany Hudak (CAN) — 24:42.1

In the men’s sitting sprint, Zaplotinsky shot clean and finished sixth in 22:53.4, retaining his overall World Cup lead. Mullin and Ailey placed eighth in 27:46.7 in the women’s vision‑impaired sprint.

“The athletes handled some of the toughest conditions we’ve seen in years and made smart decisions throughout the week,” said Canada’s Para biathlon coach Menno Arendz. “What’s been most encouraging is the consistency they’re showing, finding ways to improve, learning from each race and making adjustments as the week went on. That approach is exactly what we want to see at this stage of the season as we fine‑tune the small details and make our final adjustments heading toward the Games.”

Wilkie leaves Notschrei ranked first overall in women’s standing, with Hudak second overall. Arendz sits second overall in men’s standing. With three races remaining in the Para biathlon World Cup season, the Crystal Globe overall titles will be decided in Jakuszyce, Poland, ahead of the Paralympic Games.

Full Results: https://www.biathlonworld.com/results?EventType=PBSWRLCP

The day was historic not only for Mackie but for the sport itself. Stage 3 introduced a brand-new five-kilometre mass start heat format, the first time this race has ever been used in World Cup racing. Mackie thrived in the fast-paced racing, holding her own against seasoned World Cup veterans and surging to fifth in a field stacked with Olympic and World Championship medallists. 

“It’s pretty amazing,” Mackie said after the race. “I definitely didn’t expect that today, but I went into the race really excited to try a new format and race as hard as I could. I was lucky to be in a fast heat, so yeah, it was a great day.” 

For Mackie, the performance is a continuation of a remarkable trajectory. Just last season, she captured two bronze medals at the 2025 World Junior Championships, and now, less than a year later, she’s proving she belongs on the World Cup circuit to compete with the best. At only 20 years old, her result is more than a personal milestone — it’s a statement. 

Before the start, Mackie noted how important working together with athletes from other nations would be for success in the new format. “While we were waiting to grab our skis from fluoro testing, I could see some of the older, faster athletes like Jessie [Diggins] and some of the Swedish girls talking about strategy. I knew right away that everyone wanted to be in the fastest heat possible because that gives you an advantage.” 

She played her cards perfectly. “I didn’t do any leading, but I stuck with the leaders as much as I could. In the last kilometre, I think I went from 10th to 5th. I found a second gear and was able to push really hard and pass a few people at the finish.” 

After crossing the finish line in the third heat of the day, she would have to wait to see the times of the athletes in the final heat. “It was definitely nerve-wracking,” Mackie admitted. “At that point, I was still kind of in shock, and even now I don’t think it’s fully sunk in what kind of race I had today. When I saw the leaders from the fourth heat coming into the stadium and saw the time on the TV, I knew I had secured fifth place, which was pretty special.” 

The celebration was equally memorable. “I definitely felt like a newbie,” she laughed about her first World Cup flower ceremony. “Having all the girls who raced today there, along with the coaching staff and wax techs, made it even more meaningful. It’s also been a year since Katherine’s fourth place, and in the same location, we definitely have good momentum as a team.” 

The women’s podium featured Jessie Diggins of the United States taking the win in 10:51.2, with Sweden’s Emma Ribom in second at 10:56.7 and countrymate Moa Ilar in third at 10:58.1. Mackie’s final race time was 10:59.5, just 1.4 seconds off the podium. 

Mackie’s result also places her in elite company. She becomes the fourth Canadian woman to finish inside the top five on the World Cup in the past two years, joining Katherine Stewart-Jones, who finished fourth exactly one year ago; Sonjaa Schmidt, who raced to fourth in the sprint free technique race in Engadine; and Liliane Gagnon, who teamed up with Schmidt for fifth in the team sprint in Davos. This growing list of breakthrough performances highlights the depth and upward trajectory of Canada’s women’s program. 

Canada’s success didn’t stop with Mackie. The men’s squad delivered one of its strongest collective performances in years, placing three inside the top 15. Antoine Cyr led the way in 11th, while Xavier McKeever (13th) and Max Hollmann (14th) both achieved personal-best World Cup finishes. The trio combined with Tom Stephen to work as a team and keep the pace high. Stephen played an instrumental role leading the race in the final two kilometres, forcing the group to keep pushing the pace for Cyr, Hollmann and McKeever to move to the front of the heat across the finish line. 

The men’s podium featured Gus Schumacher of the United States taking the win in 9:35.4, with Austria’s Benjamin Moser in second at 9:35.6 and Norway’s Lars Heggen in third at 9:36.0. 

Mackie credited the team’s wax techs for an instrumental role in today’s results. “We had amazing skis today — absolute rockets — which is a huge asset, especially in a mass start. I also think this format has some luck involved, depending on which heat you’re in and who has their best day. It was a bit of an unknown how each heat would play out, but I think it really favoured the Canadians today, which was really cool to see.” 

The team will race one more time in Toblach before heading to Val di Fiemme for the final two stages of the Tour. The races will take place at the same venue as the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics, providing a perfect test event ahead of the Games. 

Canadian Results – Stage 3
Women
5th Alison Mackie
44th Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt
49th Jasmine Drolet
58th Liliane Gagnon 

Men
11th Antoine Cyr
13th Xavier McKeever
14th Max Hollmann
59th Tom Stephen
60th Rémi Drolet
82nd Graham Ritchie 

Full results:
Women’s Stage 3: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&raceid=49538
Men’s Stage 3: https://www.fis-ski.com/DB/general/results.html?sectorcode=CC&raceid=49539 

The 11 athletes qualified for Team Canada based on meeting the criteria outlined in Nordiq Canada’s Internal Nomination Procedures for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, including strong performances at the Nordiq Canada 2026 Olympic Winter Games Trials, which took place December 14-16 at the Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre in Vernon, British Columbia.

Katherine Stewart-Jones earned priority nomination for the Olympic team by having achieved two top-10 finishes in individual events during the 2024-25 FIS World Cup season. She will make her second Olympic appearance, after having competed at Beijing 2022. Stewart-Jones earned a career-best 4th-place finish in the women’s 20km freestyle on the World Cup circuit last December in Toblach, Italy. She helped her teammates race to a 9th-place finish in the women’s 4×7.5km relay at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships.

“It’s so exciting,” said Stewart-Jones. “I love racing, and especially when it’s on an even bigger stage. I really do think that pressure is a privilege in a lot of ways, and to get the opportunity to race at the highest level, at the Olympic Games, it’s going to be so exciting.”

Also making his return to the Olympic Winter Games is Antoine Cyr, who had a history-making moment in his Olympic debut at Beijing 2022 when he finished fifth in the men’s team sprint alongside Graham Ritchie for Canada’s best ever Olympic result in the event in classic technique. Cyr bettered that placement the following year at the 2023 FIS World Ski Championships with a fourth-place in free technique. Cyr also contributed to the fifth-place finish that the Canadian men achieved in the 4×7.5km relay at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, alongside teammates Xavier McKeever, Max Hollmann, and Olivier Léveillé.

Making his Olympic debut, McKeever will join a family lineage of Olympic and Paralympic athletes. Son of Olympians Milaine Thériault and Robin McKeever, and nephew of Canada’s most decorated winter Paralympian, Brian McKeever, the 22-year-old McKeever will race for Team Canada as one of Nordiq Canada’s best young prospects. He contributed to Canada’s silver medal relay team at the 2022 FIS World Junior Championships with Rémi Drolet, Tom Stephen, and Olivier Léveillé, and teamed up with Cyr to finish ninth in the classic team sprint at the 2025 FIS Nordic World Ski Championships. McKeever earned his spot on the Canadian Olympic Team after winning the sprint free in the final race at Nordiq Canada’s Olympic Trials in a photo finish.

“My decision to become a skier was created at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games watching my uncle and dad compete and win, so in my career I’ve had so many full circle moments, and this is another one of those full circle moments,” said McKeever. “Getting the chance to represent Canada at the Olympics is incredible, and it’s also so crazy that I’m going to be racing in Italy which is where I watched my mom compete at Turin 2006 when I was two years old. So it’s a pretty surreal moment to be able to race in Italy at the Olympics, 20 years later.”

Five women—Jasmine Drolet, Liliane Gagnon, Alison Mackie, Sonjaa Schmidt and Amelia Wells—will all make their Olympic debuts at Milano Cortina 2026 as part of a young and talented squad. Schmidt made Canadian history when she won the women’s freestyle sprint at the FIS U23 World Ski Championships in 2024. She followed that up with a fourth-place finish in the same event at the Engadin stop of the FIS World Cup circuit in January 2025. Meanwhile, Gagnon also captured a gold medal at the 2024 FIS U23 World Ski Championships, anchoring the 4x5km mixed relay with Hollmann, Jasmine Drolet, and Derek Deuling. Gagnon then won two bronze medals at the 2025 FIS U23 World Ski Championships, in the women’s 10km freestyle and the women’s 20km classic mass start.

Siblings Jasmine and Rémi Drolet will experience an Olympic Winter Games together, after Rémi competed for Team Canada at Beijing 2022. Tom Stephen and Max Hollmann will also make their Olympic debuts, after earning their nominations by winning the men’s 10km classic and men’s 10km free, respectively, at Nordiq Canada’s Olympic Winter Games Trials.

“This is one of the most promising generations of Canadian cross-country skiers we’ve seen in years,” said Beckie Scott, Olympic champion and CEO of Nordiq Canada. “The team is a strong mix of young talent and experienced veterans who can lead the group and set the standard both on and off the snow. We’re incredibly proud of this Olympic team and excited to cheer them on as they represent Canada on the world’s stage. It’s inspiring to watch this group continue to grow, challenge the world’s best, and show what Canadian skiers are capable of.”

Team Canada has won three Olympic cross-country skiing medals, all by women. Beckie Scott won gold in the 5km + 5km pursuit at Salt Lake City 2002. She teamed with Sara Renner to win silver in the women’s classic team sprint at Turin 2006. Also at those Games, Chandra Crawford won gold in the women’s free sprint.

Milano Cortina 2026 will be the first Olympic Winter Games at which the men and women will race the same distances, including the 50km mass start.

Cross-country skiing will take place February 7 to 22, 2026 (Days 1 to 16) at the Tesero Cross-Country Skiing Stadium in the Val di Fiemme region.

“Huge congratulations to the athletes who can now call themselves members of the Canadian Olympic Team,” said Jenn Heil, Team Canada’s Milano Cortina 2026 Chef de Mission. “The tenacity, resilience, and the incredible volume of training required in this sport is nothing short of inspiring. Congratulations on all your hard work, and we can’t wait to cheer you on as you wear the maple leaf with pride in Italy.”

Team Canada’s cross-country skiing team for the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games also includes the following alternate athletes, coaches and support staff:

Alternate Athletes
Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt (Morin Heights, Que.)
Graham Ritchie (Parry Sound, Ont.)

Coaches and Support Staff
Eric de Nys (Vernon, B.C.) – Team Leader
Julia Mehre Ystgaard (Oslo, Norway) – Head Coach
Louis Bouchard (Quebec, Que.) – Coach
Yves Bilodeau (Quebec, Que.) – Wax Technician
Nicola Bonetti (Clusone, Italy) – Wax Technician
Sara Hutter (Laas, Italy) – Wax Technician
Toomas Kollo (Tallinn, Estonia) – Wax Technician
Alain Masson (Whitehorse, Yukon ) – Wax Technician
Magnus Noroy (Levanger, Norway) – Wax Technician
Jodi Perras (North Battleford, Sask.) – Massage Therapist
Thea Schwingshakl (Toblach, Italy) – Wax Technician
Félix-Antoine Vézina (Saint-Ferréol-Les-Neiges) – Wax Technician

Prior to being named to Team Canada, all nominations are subject to approval by the Canadian Olympic Committee’s Team Selection Committee following its receipt of nominations by all National Sport Organizations.

The latest Team Canada Milano Cortina 2026 roster can be found here and the qualification tracker can be found here.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Nathaniel Mah, Marketing and Engagement
Nordiq Canada
C: 403-700-4927 
E: nmah@nordiqcanada.ca 

Tara MacBournie, Program Manager, Sport Communications
Canadian Olympic Committee
C: 647-522-8328
E: tmacbournie@olympic.ca

1. Xavier McKeever — (Canmore, Alta.)
2. Graham Ritchie — (Parry Sound, Ont.)
3. Rémi Drolet — (Rossland, B.C.)

1. Olivia Bouffard-Nesbitt — (Morin-Heights, Que.)
2. Katie Weaver —  (North Vancouver, B.C.)
3. Sonjaa Schmidt — (Whitehorse, Yukon)

Hollmann, from Thunder Bay, Ont., crossed the line in 24:50.8 to take the men’s victory, just ahead of Rémi Drolet (25:04.0, Rossland, B.C.) and Tom Stephen (25:16.7, Calgary, Alta.).

The win was surprising for Hollmann, who broke his scaphoid bone and underwent surgery in early October, spending months training without poles. “Feels great. I was definitely not expecting it,” Hollmann said. “Eleven weeks ago I broke my scaphoid, got surgery five weeks ago, and the surgeon said I might not even be skiing by now. Honestly, I had no expectations, I’m just happy to be here.”

From not even knowing if he was going to able to race at the event to winning, Hollmann said the moment he realized he had won was unforgettable.

“I didn’t actually realize I was leading when I crossed the line until I saw my teammates,” he said. “Seeing their faces light up and feeding off that energy was amazing.”

In the women’s race, Schmidt celebrated her birthday by claiming her second consecutive win with a time of 28:36.2. Jasmine Drolet (29:05.7, Rossland, B.C.) came back from a tough first day of racing to finish second, while Amelia Wells (29:36.1, Victoria, B.C.) rounded out the podium.

Drolet’s rebound was one of the highlights of the day. After crossing the line in tears yesterday, the U23 World Championship relay gold medalist showed resilience in a technique that isn’t her specialty.

Her brother Rémi also finished second in the men’s race, making it a family double podium.

“It feels good,” Drolet said. “I had a lot of pent-up energy from yesterday and wanted to give it my all today. Free technique isn’t my strongest, so to finish second feels amazing. Yesterday was hard, but I knew I had more to give.” Both Hollmann and Drolet were part of Canada’s U23 gold medal relay team in Planica, Slovenia, and their performances prove their potential for the Olympic stage.

Tomorrow will be the trials first head-to-head format race with the sprint free event hosting the perfect platform for athletes to try to grab a remaining nomination spot on Canada’s cross-country Olympic Team.

Women’s podium:

1. Sonjaa Schmidt — 28:36.2 (Whitehorse, Yukon)
2. Jasmine Drolet — 29:05.7 (Rossland, B.C.)
3. Amelia Wells — 29:36.1 (Victoria, B.C.)

Men’s podium:

1. Max Hollmann — 24:50.8 (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
2. Rémi Drolet — 25:04.0 (Rossland, B.C.)
3. Tom Stephen — 25:16.7 (Calgary, Alta.)

Full Results: https://zone4.ca/race/2025-12-15/67a43f40/results

Photos for Media use (Photo Credit Vanessa Garrison): https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QjgMmcsHsAcaGfXsxIPiyk2z8eyvGlTe?usp=drive_link

Athlete interviews:  https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1QjgMmcsHsAcaGfXsxIPiyk2z8eyvGlTe?usp=drive_link