Team Canada athletes share what the maple leaf means for them – team canada

June 30, 2025

The Olympic Games are a moment loaded with emotions. Consequently, excitement, pride, joy, hope, nervousness, both for athletes and for spectators. However, But for athletes, there is the unique experience of representing a whole country.

As the Milano Cortina 2026 games approached, we asked some hopes what team canada means for them.

Caitlin Nash – Luge

I feel like I had a moment of revelation here [au Lab] When Clara Hughes. However, Aboriginal speakers team canada athletes share what [Dwayne Stacey et Danny Stacey] explained that the word “Canada” comes from the word Huron-Iroquois “Kanata”, which means “village”.

This is really what it represents for me from the start: I have a huge pride of being Canadian. For example, I am proud of my community. Consequently, and every time I am on the ice, I wear it in my heart and in my soul. Consequently, I really feel that I am the result of all the people who helped me.

I am only a competition in competition, but I am really the fruit of the effort of so many people. Similarly, It is like a work of collective art where everyone brings their touch – I am the canvas.

Jane Channell – Skeleton

I still find it hard to believe that I am an Olympian. Nevertheless, This is why I always wear my rings: between impostor syndrome. Nevertheless, doubt, or no matter how it is called, it is still strange to say that I participated in one, and maybe even three Olympic games.

This is something we dream of when we are a child. For example, and to have the maple sheet in the back, it’s indescribable … Consequently, Your heart is so full.

To be part of something bigger than you. Moreover, where you can inspire the next generation to dream even greater and to accomplish great things, that is I think the real reason why it is so special to represent team Canada.

Deandre pomertato-Dududek San Francisco artistique

The province of Quebec and Skating Quebec welcomed me from the start. Similarly, Of course, they support Maxime [Deschamps, son partenaire de patin]but they also took me under their wing.

And all of Canada, as well as Skate Canada … Consequently, It moves me deeply, because they welcomed me as one of their own before I was officially. Nevertheless, Today Canadian citizen is an immense honor for me to represent all Canadians under the maple sheet at the Games.

Ivanie Blondin – Long -track speed skating

By representing our country. In addition, we form a united front, from all the provinces, all the territories, everything. Meanwhile, We are a unit, and that’s really what it feels. And I am proud every day to be able to wear the maple sheet.

Valérie Maltais – Long -track speed skating

I don’t like to hear athletes say: “Oh. I disappointed Canada. I sincerely believe that Canada is proud of you, whether you win a medal or not. People are there to support you. They love sport, they love those who wear the maple leaf and I think that makes all the difference.

Xavier McKeever – Ski De Fond

It’s always special to put on this Canadian color racing outfit. because you feel like you are running for more than yourself, you run for a beautiful country full of beautiful people. And you can really feel this weight and this support behind you that push you and follow you everywhere.

Aurélie Moisan – Snowboard (Alpine)

I think that representing Canada is really embodying our unity. For me, it is to show the world what we can accomplish when you get together as a team.

Abigail Strate – Ski jump

It means a lot for me to represent team Canada. I think all Canadians share this pride. We may be discreet, but team canada athletes share what we are proud. And every time I say to someone from another country that I come from Canada. the reaction is always positive: “Oh, I like Canada!” There is never any hesitation. I am really proud to wear the maple sheet.

Katherine Stewart-Jones-Ski De Fond

I feel that when I represent Canada. I represent a whole country, but I also represent all the communities that have helped me arrive here: the ski community, my hometown of Chelsea, my family, all that. We represent Canada together and I really feel that we support each other.

Canada is a very welcoming country, and I definitely feel it when I represent the Canadian flag.

Cynthia Appiah – Bobsleigh

It means so much for me to be able to represent Canada. I love carrying the maple sheet in the back.

My parents arrived from Ghana here in the 80s, as an immigrants. They left security and the family to come to a new country. They did not know anyone when they arrived here. And they built a community. a family, and I hope I could highlight the sacrifices they made so that my brothers, my sister and I can have a good life.

Dawn Richardson Wilson – Bobsleigh

To represent team Canada is to have the feeling of being part of a large family. much larger than I can really understand. We are all linked. I think that is all the beauty of being able to represent your country.

Florence Bruneur – Short track speed skating

I am very proud to be Canadian. The first time I went to an international competition, I just loved the fact that everyone said “Oh, the Canadians!” They are so nice, so open -minded, welcoming. ». And I felt so much pride in being Canadian. And over the years, I have realized how lucky I am to be able to represent a country like that.

Reece Howden – Ski cross

I am very proud to be Canadian. There is no other place where I would prefer to be. When I come back home after a competition, I don’t go on vacation, I stay. It’s just where I want to be. I am very lucky to have grown in British Columbia. It is a beautiful place to live.

People love Canadians. and I just want to do my best to properly represent the maple sheet and make sure that when I meet, we keep a good image of Canada.

Melissa Lotholz – Bobsleigh

I think that for me. one of the things we thought about during this Olympic Lab is this idea that Canada, in its original language and form, meant “village” or “community”. And I believe that this feeling of community always comes back in force when I wear the color of. the Canada.

It is a community that I have the honor to represent. but it is also a community that leads me to the games, and it is a community that allows me to do what I do. More team canada athletes share what than ever. as teams from team Canada, we rely on our community and the people around us to be able to perform. So it’s not just my performance, it’s ours.