Calgary Snowboarders Set Sights on Olympic Halfpipe Podium in 2026
For Calgary snowboarders Brooke D'Hondt and Felicity Geremia, the journey from local slopes to the global stage of the Winter Olympics represents the realization of a dream. As they prepare to compete in the women's snowboard halfpipe at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games, these young athletes are focused on making their mark while embracing the unique pressures of Olympic competition.
From Pipe Dreams to Olympic Reality
The transition from recreational snowboarding to Olympic competition has been a remarkable evolution for both athletes. What began as fun on the slopes has transformed into a serious pursuit of excellence on the world's biggest winter sports stage. Their progression highlights the dedication required to reach the pinnacle of snowboarding competition.
"If not at the Olympics, then when?" This question captures the mindset of Calgary's young snowboarders as they approach the 2026 Games. The opportunity to represent Canada on such a prestigious platform represents both an honor and a challenge that motivates their daily training and preparation.
Brooke D'Hondt's Olympic Experience and Ambitions
For 20-year-old Brooke D'Hondt, the 2026 Games will mark her second Olympic appearance following her debut at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Her previous experience provides valuable perspective as she approaches the upcoming competition with renewed determination and refined skills.
D'Hondt's journey to Beijing was anything but smooth, as she battled COVID-19 just before the Games. "I got my first negative test the day we were flying to China," she recalls. "I was definitely pretty rundown leading up to and even at the Games. So just getting to those Games was a huge relief." Despite these challenges, she managed a respectable 10th-place finish in her Olympic debut.
Now, with four additional years of experience and a strong competitive season behind her, D'Hondt approaches the Livigno Snow Park in Italy's Sondrio province with greater confidence. Her consistent performance on the FIS World Cup circuit, including fifth and sixth-place finishes, suggests she has the potential to challenge for podium positions in 2026.
Felicity Geremia's Olympic Debut Approach
Eighteen-year-old Felicity Geremia brings a different perspective to the Olympic experience as she prepares for her first Games. Her approach emphasizes process over outcome, focusing on enjoying the unique atmosphere while performing at her highest level.
"For this one, I just want to try to enjoy the experience and put down the best run I can and see what happens from there," Geremia explains. "Just try to put a few runs down and kind of have fun while also enjoying the pressure and enjoying the whole Olympic atmosphere."
Geremia views the 2026 Games as a learning opportunity that will prepare her for future competitions, including potentially the 2030 Winter Olympics. This long-term perspective allows her to manage expectations while still pursuing excellence in her Olympic debut.
Competition Schedule and Preparation
The women's snowboard halfpipe competition at the 2026 Winter Olympics follows a structured schedule:
- Qualification: Wednesday, 4:30 a.m. ET
- Final: Thursday, 1:30 p.m. ET
Both athletes have been training extensively to prepare for these critical moments, developing routines and tricks that will showcase their skills on the Olympic stage. Their preparation balances technical development with the mental fortitude required for high-pressure competition.
The Olympic Mindset: Balancing Ambition and Reality
When asked about podium potential, D'Hondt responds with characteristic humility mixed with ambition: "Maybe," she says with a giggle. "It's always a funny one to say. It's hard not to get awkward when you're asked that."
This balance between confidence and realism characterizes the approach of both athletes. They recognize the competitive nature of Olympic snowboarding while maintaining belief in their abilities and preparation. Their journey represents not just individual achievement but also the development of snowboarding talent within Calgary's athletic community.
As these young snowboarders continue their preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics, they carry with them the support of their community and the dreams that began on local halfpipes. Their story illustrates how dedication, resilience, and passion can transform athletic aspirations into Olympic opportunities.
