Warm Welcome for Team Canada

Canada’s Olympic athletes began arriving home on Monday, greeted by enthusiastic friends, family, and fans following their participation in the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Approximately a dozen supporters were present at Toronto Pearson airport to welcome the returning athletes.

The team secured a total of 21 medals throughout the Games, including five gold medals.

Athlete Reactions and Highlights

Brett Gallant, a gold medalist in curling, expressed his joy at being back on Canadian soil. I just feel kind of some of the Canadian pride, some of the excitement that we have been feeling from afar, but now to be home — it’s great, he told reporters.

Gallant highlighted the growing competitiveness of the international curling scene, stating, The international curling field has gotten stronger and stronger over the last decade. So it is tougher now … We are pretty proud of what we accomplished.

The Games saw a strong finish for Canada, with 13 medals earned in the second half, beginning with Mikaël Kingsbury’s victory in freestyle skiing’s dual moguls event.

Kingsbury described the Games as everything I dreamed of. He as well won a silver medal in the men’s moguls event and was the flag-bearer for Canada.

Closing Ceremony and Medal Count

The Milano Cortina Games concluded on Sunday with a closing ceremony held in Verona, Italy. Approximately 90 of Canada’s 207 athletes participated in the ceremony.

Canada’s medal count included five gold, with the other gold medals awarded to the men’s curling team, Megan Oldham in freeski big air, Steven Dubois in the 500-metre short-track, and Valérie Maltais, Isabelle Weidemann and Ivanie Blondin in long-track team pursuit.

Challenges and Future Investments

Cynthia Appiah, a member of the Canadian bobsleigh team, emphasized the need for increased investment in the sport.

We haven’t had an investment in our program in four years, and we haven’t had any investment in our sled technology in six years. When you’re comparing that to the Americans and the Germans, who get basically sleds every year or every two years, it is really hard to be competitive.

Looking Ahead

Prime Minister Mark Carney expressed his pride in Team Canada’s performance, stating on social media, Could not be more proud of you, @TeamCanada. You’re coming home with 21 hard-fought Olympic medals. Though what Canadians will remember most is how you wore the Maple Leaf: with pride, with grit and with determination.

FAQ

How many medals did Canada win at the 2026 Winter Olympics?

Canada won a total of 21 medals, including five gold.

Where were the 2026 Winter Olympics held?

The 2026 Winter Olympics were held in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy.

Who was the flag-bearer for Canada at the closing ceremony?

Speedskaters Valérie Maltais and Steven Dubois were flag-bearers for Team Canada.