Canadian Speedskaters Earn Silver in Thrilling Olympic Mixed Team Relay
In an electrifying display of speed and coordination, Canada's short-track speedskating team secured a silver medal in the mixed team relay event at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympic Games. The achievement marks Canada's first silver medal of these Games and highlights the nation's continued excellence in winter sports.
Team Effort Leads to Podium Finish
The Canadian quartet of William Dandjinou, Courtney Sarault, Kim Boutin, and Felix Roussel delivered a masterful performance at the Milano Ice Skating Arena in Milan on Tuesday, February 10, 2026. Their collective effort propelled Canada to second place behind gold medalist Italy, with Belgium claiming the bronze medal position.
Known for its intense, fast-paced nature, the mixed team relay in short-track speedskating requires perfect synchronization between teammates. Skaters race in a tight oval formation, with each competitor pushing their successor from behind to maintain momentum before handing off. This high-speed event is particularly prone to dramatic crashes and falls that can instantly alter a team's fortunes.
Dominant Performance Throughout Competition
The Canadian team, affectionately nicknamed the Canadian Ice Maples, entered the competition as strong contenders following an impressive season. Their qualification rounds demonstrated remarkable consistency, with Canadian skaters consistently finishing in top positions across various events.
During Tuesday morning's qualifications:
- Courtney Sarault and Kim Boutin dominated the women's 500-meter race
- Florence Brunelle secured second place in her round
- William Dandjinou and Felix Roussel glided to first position in the men's 1,000-meter race
The only setback came when Steven Dubois fell while attempting to pass a British competitor in the men's 1,000-meter event.
Nail-Biting Quarterfinal and Semifinal Races
The Canadian team faced significant challenges during the quarterfinal round, racing neck-and-neck against the Chinese team. In a dramatic finish, the Chinese skaters managed to pull ahead near the end, but William Dandjinou executed a brilliant last-moment slide to snatch victory for Canada.
In the semifinals, Canada continued their dominant performance, with Courtney Sarault demonstrating exceptional skill by narrowly avoiding a collision with a nearby American competitor. This quick thinking and technical precision helped secure Canada's place in the final race.
Electric Atmosphere and National Pride
The energy inside the Milano Ice Skating Arena was palpable throughout the competition, with enthusiastic crowds cheering on the athletes. The Canadian team's silver medal achievement represents not only individual excellence but also the power of coordinated teamwork in one of the Winter Olympics' most unpredictable and exciting events.
This podium finish adds to Canada's rich history in short-track speedskating and demonstrates the continued development of world-class talent within the nation's winter sports programs. As the 2026 Winter Olympics continue, this silver medal performance serves as inspiration for Canadian athletes across all disciplines.
