Canadian Olympic athletes began returning home Monday, greeted by supporters at airports across the country following their competition at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. Approximately 90 of the 207 Canadian athletes marched in the closing ceremony held Sunday in Verona, Italy, according to the Canadian Olympic Committee.
At Toronto Pearson International Airport, curler Brett Gallant, a gold medalist as part of Brad Jacobs’ Calgary-based rink, spoke to reporters, expressing his joy at being back in Canada. “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,” Gallant said. He noted the excitement surrounding Canada’s performance towards the end of the Games, particularly during the curling, women’s hockey, and men’s hockey medal rounds.
Canada finished the Milano Cortina Games with a total of 21 medals, including five gold. The other Canadian gold medalists were Megan Oldham in freeski substantial air, Steven Dubois in the 500-metre short-track speed skating event, and the women’s long-track team pursuit team comprised of Valérie Maltais, Isabelle Weidemann, and Ivanie Blondin.
Despite the overall success, some athletes highlighted challenges related to funding and resources. Bobsleigh athlete Cynthia Appiah spoke to the media in Toronto, emphasizing the disadvantage Canadian teams face due to limited investment. “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,” Appiah stated. “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.”
The men’s hockey team’s silver medal finish, after a 2-1 loss to the United States in the gold medal game, marked a disappointing end to the Games for some. Speedskaters Valérie Maltais and Steven Dubois served as flag-bearers for Team Canada during Sunday’s closing ceremony.
Prime Minister Mark Carney released a statement on social media Sunday, praising the athletes’ performance and spirit. “Could not be more proud of you, @TeamCanada,” Carney wrote. “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.”
Team Canada is scheduled to hold media availability at airports in Montreal, Vancouver, and Ottawa in the coming days, according to Olympic.ca.
