Calgary's Ski Jumping Quartet Ready to Soar at 2026 Milano Cortina Olympics
Four athletes from Calgary have been selected to represent Canada in ski jumping at the upcoming 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympic Games. This dynamic team combines Olympic veterans with promising newcomers, all aiming to build upon Canada's remarkable success at the 2022 Beijing Games.
A Blend of Experience and Fresh Talent
The team features a powerful mix of seasoned competitors and first-time Olympians. Natalie Eilers and Nicole Maurer are set to make their Olympic debuts, bringing youthful energy and determination to the international stage. Meanwhile, Abigail Strate and Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes return with valuable Olympic experience, having secured a historic bronze medal for Canada in the mixed team event at the 2022 Beijing Games.
"We definitely got a lot of media fame after winning that medal," Strate reflected on their third-place finish in Beijing. "We were definitely underdogs in that event that we medalled in. I think it was that kind of moment that—for me, at least—proved anything's possible. And it sparked a little bit of fire in me."
Meet Canada's 2026 Olympic Ski Jumping Team
- Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes (Calgary)
- Natalie Eilers (Calgary)
- Nicole Maurer (Calgary)
- Abigail Strate (Calgary)
Veteran Leadership and Historic Achievements
Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes is making history as Canada's first five-time Olympian in ski jumping. The 34-year-old athlete, alongside Strate, helped secure Canada's first-ever Olympic medal in ski jumping with their bronze performance in Beijing. After stepping away from competition for two-and-a-half years, Boyd-Clowes has demonstrated remarkable resilience by fighting his way back to the top level of international ski jumping.
"I never thought I would be able to call myself a five-time Olympian," Boyd-Clowes shared. "Coming from our small club in Calgary this opportunity means a lot to me. I feel like I've gotten the chance to represent a big community of past, present and future ski jumpers and all of the people who work so hard to keep the sport in Canada alive. After taking a few years off competing, I'm definitely approaching these Games with a bit of a different mindset, but I'm grateful to get to go and be there with my teammates and coaches to represent Canada again."
Rising Star Momentum
For Abigail Strate, Milano Cortina 2026 will mark her second Olympic Winter Games appearance. The 24-year-old has been building impressive momentum leading up to the Games, capturing her first career FIS World Cup victory this winter and adding two silver medals on the elite circuit. Her preparation included a standout summer on the Grand Prix tour, where she finished on the podium in all five events she entered, including victories in Courchevel, France, and at the Olympic test event in Val di Fiemme, Italy.
Building on Olympic Success
This Calgary-based team represents the continued growth and development of Canadian ski jumping on the world stage. Their selection follows Canada's head-turning success at the 2022 Beijing Games, where they emerged as unexpected medal contenders and captured the nation's attention. The combination of veteran leadership from Boyd-Clowes and Strate, combined with the fresh energy of Eilers and Maurer, creates a balanced team poised for potential success in Italy.
The athletes' shared Calgary background highlights the city's strong ski jumping program and community support for winter sports. As they prepare for the 2026 Games, these four athletes carry not only their personal ambitions but also the hopes of Canadian ski jumping enthusiasts who witnessed their breakthrough performance in Beijing.
