A young athlete from Regina has been marked as a future star for Canada on the international sliding track. Ava Darbellay has been named one of 35 athletes across the country to receive funding and support through the RBC Training Ground program, having been identified for her significant Olympic potential in the sport of luge.
From the Prairies to the Olympic Track
The RBC Training Ground initiative is a nationwide talent search dedicated to finding and funding Canada's next generation of Olympic athletes. Darbellay's selection highlights the program's reach beyond traditional winter sports hubs, identifying raw talent even in the prairie city of Regina. Her inclusion among the 35 funded athletes signifies a major step in her athletic development, providing crucial resources for training, coaching, and competition as she aims for the world stage.
The Path to PyeongChang 2026 and Beyond
While the original announcement was made in the context of the 2025 program cycle, the identification of prospects like Darbellay is forward-looking, with an eye on future Olympic Games. The support from RBC Training Ground is designed to nurture athletes through multiple competitive cycles. For Darbellay, this means a structured pathway to potentially represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina and beyond, as she refines her skills in the high-speed, technical discipline of luge.
A Boost for Canadian Luge Development
The discovery and funding of a luge prospect from Saskatchewan is a positive development for the sport in Canada, which has historically drawn talent from specific regions. Darbellay's journey demonstrates the effectiveness of broad talent identification programs in uncovering potential in non-traditional markets. Her progress will be one to watch as she joins the pipeline of athletes aiming to continue Canada's legacy in sliding sports, following in the tracks of notable Canadian lugers who have competed on the world's biggest stage.
The investment in athletes like Ava Darbellay underscores a continued commitment to building a strong foundation for Canada's winter Olympic teams of the future. As she begins this next chapter with dedicated support, her story serves as an inspiration for young athletes across the Prairies and a testament to the power of national scouting programs.
