Éliot Grondin and Meryeta O’Dine, both Olympic medallists, have been selected to lead Canada’s snowboard cross team at the upcoming Milano-Cortina Games. The announcement was made by Canada Snowboard and the Canadian Olympic Committee in a joint press release on Thursday.
Grondin, hailing from Sainte-Marie, Quebec, is the current men’s snowboard cross world champion and a two-time World Cup Crystal Globe winner. He claimed the silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Games. O’Dine, from Prince George, British Columbia, secured the bronze in the women’s event and also won bronze alongside Grondin in the mixed team event.
Expressing his excitement, Grondin stated, “I am honored to represent Canada at the Olympic Games for the third time. It is a privilege to compete on this global stage and showcase our country’s colors.” He expressed confidence in his performance while emphasizing the importance of enjoying the experience.
Joining Grondin and O’Dine in the snowboard cross team are Liam Moffat, Evan Bichon, Tess Critchlow, and Audrey McManiman. Additionally, Elizabeth Hosking will lead the women’s snowboard halfpipe team, accompanied by Brooke D’Hondt and Felicity Geremia, all set to compete at the Livigno Snow Park.
The snowboard events are scheduled to take place on various days during the Games, with the parallel giant slalom event on February 8, snowboard halfpipe starting on February 11, and the individual snowboard cross events on February 12 and 13. The mixed team event will be held on February 15 at the Livigno Snow Park.
In biathlon, seven of the eight athletes on Canada’s team will make their Olympic debuts at the Milano-Cortina Winter Games. The team features a mix of new talents and experienced athletes, including Calgary’s Adam Runnalls, who previously competed at the Beijing Games in 2022. The biathlon events are scheduled to take place from February 8 to 21 at the Ansterselva Biathlon Arena.
Canada has a rich history in biathlon, with three Olympic medals won by Myriam Bedard in 1992 and 1994. The team will be led by coach Andrew Chisolm and Helene Jorgensen, with support from five wax technicians, aiming for strong performances at the Games.