The Olympic cross-country ski team that will represent Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Italy has been unveiled.
Among the 11 athletes heading to Milan-Cortina announced on Friday are Katherine Stewart-Jones, Antoine Cyr and Rémi Drolet, who all competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. Cyr finished fifth in the team sprint, which was Canada's best-ever finish in that event.
Making his Olympic debut is Xavier McKeever, who comes from a family of Canadian skiing royalty. He is the son of Olympians Milaine Thériault and Robin McKeever, and nephew of Canada’s most decorated winter Paralympian, Brian McKeever.
“My decision to become a skier was created at the Vancouver 2010 Paralympic Games watching my uncle and dad compete and win," said Mckeever in a press release. "In my career I’ve had so many full circle moments, and this is another one of those full circle moments."
McKeever is one of eight cross-country skiers making their Olympic debuts.
“This is one of the most promising generations of Canadian cross-country skiers we’ve seen in years,” said Beckie Scott, Olympic champion and CEO of Nordiq Canada. “The team is a strong mix of young talent and experienced veterans who can lead the group and set the standard both on and off the snow."
Scott owns two of Canada's three Olympic medals in cross-country skiing, including a gold in 2002 and silver in 2006. Canada has not medaled in cross-country since the 2006 Games.
Full team list:
Antoine Cyr (Gatineau, Que.)
Jasmine Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Rémi Drolet (Rossland, B.C.)
Liliane Gagnon (Shawinigan-Sud, Que.)
Max Hollmann (Thunder Bay, Ont.)
Alison Mackie (Edmonton, Alta.)
Xavier McKeever (Canmore, Alta.)
Sonjaa Schmidt (Whitehorse, Yuk.)
Tom Stephen (Calgary, Alta.)
Katherine Stewart-Jones (Chelsea, Que.)
Amelia Wells (Victoria, B.C.)
