Saskatoon School Community Rallies Behind Olympic Athlete
When freestyle skier Maia Schwinghammer took to the moguls course at the 2026 Winter Olympics, she carried with her the cheers and support of an entire school community hundreds of kilometers away in Saskatoon. Students and staff at École St. Matthew gathered in their gymnasium, wearing red shirts and beaming with pride as they watched their former student compete on the world's biggest athletic stage.
Fifth-Place Finish, Gold-Medal Inspiration
Schwinghammer finished fifth in the Olympic moguls final, just shy of the podium, but her performance represented something far more valuable to her alma mater. "It's not every day we can show our kids such a tangible example of what to dream about — that they really can do anything," said Jenn Barber, École St. Matthew's social coordinator.
As the school replayed her Olympic runs, Barber described the experience as "exciting and even a bit emotional, a little surreal to see a Saskatchewan girl who went to our school competing at such a high level." She added, "You never know — we might have another Olympian here who will remember that."
A Journey Celebrated on Campus
In the days leading up to the Olympic event, office coordinator Julie Tolmie created a special photo wall documenting Schwinghammer's remarkable journey from classroom pictures to Olympic competition. The display featured the inspiring message: "Once a student here, now an Olympian. Dream big! We're cheering for you!"
Teachers incorporated Schwinghammer's Olympic performances into their lessons, while a Grade 2 class crafted torches and held their own torch run that culminated at the celebratory photo wall. The entire school community embraced the opportunity to connect with their former student's extraordinary achievement.
A Role Model for Perseverance
Principal Carrie Muench, who taught Schwinghammer in Grade 8, emphasized how the Olympian embodies the school's focus on perseverance. "This year we've focused on the power of 'yet' and persevering, and she exemplifies that," Muench explained. "She may not have brought home a medal this time — yet — but she will one day. And truly, she already won gold in my mind years ago."
Muench described Schwinghammer as "a shining star" and noted that "everyone is beaming with pride — from her École St. Matthew family to an entire nation." The principal concluded with a heartfelt message in French: "Maia, nous sommes tellement fiers de toi. Bravo."
From Saskatchewan Flatlands to Olympic Heights
The celebration at École St. Matthew represents more than just school spirit — it demonstrates how local communities can rally behind their athletes and how educational institutions can use real-world examples to inspire students. Schwinghammer's journey from Saskatchewan student to Olympic competitor serves as a powerful testament to what dedication and perseverance can achieve.
While the Olympic moguls competition has concluded, the impact of Schwinghammer's achievement continues to resonate throughout her former school. Her story has become a living lesson in determination, providing students with a concrete example of how far dreams can take them when combined with hard work and community support.
