Canada won 26 medals at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, placing third in medal count behind Germany and the United States. Can we win that many medals in Russia? Only time will tell, but these 10 Olympic athletes are favoured to make the podium and bring home a bronze, silver or gold.
Carey Price, Men’s Hockey
Canada is passionate about hockey, and it’s one of the most watched sports by Canadians during the Olympic games. While goalie Roberto Luongo (of the Vancouver Canucks) is favoured to start in net, Carey Price (of the Montreal Canadians) is providing ample reasons why he should get the chance. His save percentage (.926 in 28 games) is his best yet since entering the NHL, and his game the past few months shows he might be good enough to lead Canada to gold in Sochi.
Dominique Maltais, Women’s Snowboarding
After a rough showing at the Vancouver Olympics, Dominique Maltais is determined to take the podium in Russia. In 2010 Dominique took a hard crash that prevented her from advancing past the qualifying round, even though she was ranked No. 2 in the world. But this year she is stronger than ever and coming off a first place win in the snowboardcross World Cup.
Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir, Pairs Figure Skating
Canada’s ice dancing sweethearts won gold at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and are looking to top the podium once again. The pair has their own TV series – called Tessa & Scott – which documents their journey to this year’s Olympic games, and their biggest challenge of training with rivals Meryl Davis and Charlie White. Fans of the series will be glued to the TV in February to see which team comes out on top.
Charles Hamelin, Short Track
Charles Hamelin was the only member of the Canadian Olympic team to win two gold medals at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics (he won the 500-metre and men’s relay). This year he’s ready to win another gold and break the Canadian record for most career medals for short track.
Alex Bilodeau, Men’s Moguls
In 2010 Alex became the first Canadian to win an Olympic gold metal in Canada, and this year he will headline the Canadian ski cross team. Coming off a first place win at the World Cup moguls event in January, Alex is poised to take Olympic gold again in Russia.
Justine Dufour-Lapointe, Women’s Moguls
Justine heads into the Olympics ranked No. 2 in the world in women’s moguls. She was FIS World Cup Rookie of the Year in 2010-11, and won bronze at the 2013 World Championships. Justine’s two older sisters – Chloe and Maxime – will also compete alongside her in February (so expect to see at least one of them on the podium).
Mark McMorris, Men’s Snowboarding
This year slopestyle will make its Olympic debut, and Mark McMorris (nicknamed McLovin) is ready to take gold. Mark was the first snowboarder to complete a backside triple cork 1440 and won first place at the 2012 and 2013 Winter X Games. His biggest competition in Russia will be fellow Canadian Sebastien Toutant.
Kaillie Humphries, Bobseld
Kaillie is ready to defend her Olympic bobsled title this February in Sochi. In 2010 she won gold with Heather Moyse as her breakman, but she will head to Russia with Chelsea Valois. Kaillie and Chelsea won gold at the 2013 World Championship and placed third in an Olympic test event.
Caroline Ouellette, Women’s Hockey
With gold medals the past three winter Olympic games, the Canadian women’s hockey team is looking to grab a fourth win in Russia. This year the team will be led by Caroline Ouellette, who takes the captain’s spot from fellow player Hayley Wickenheiser. The switch up has the hockey world spinning, and all eyes will be on Caroline to see how the team will be different under her direction.
