Canadian Medal Hopes Shift to Oldham, Urness on Olympic Monday

As Day 3 of the Milano–Cortina Olympics approaches, Canada turns its attention to a new set of medal possibilities after a challenging second day at the Games. Sunday offered few podium opportunities and no additions to the country’s early bronze medal from speed skater Valérie Maltais. Instead, Canadian athletes faced mixed results across figure skating, skiing, snowboarding and curling, leaving the nation looking ahead to events with stronger potential on Monday.

Canada’s figure skating team slipped to fifth place in the team event after entering the day with hopes of finishing on the podium. In speed skating, veteran Ted-Jan Bloemen ranked 13th in the men’s 5,000m, while cross-country skier Xavier McKeever matched that result in the men’s skiathlon. Snowboarders also struggled as none of the four athletes in the parallel giant slalom advanced past the quarterfinals, and Canadian riders Laurie Blouin and Juliette Pelchat missed the women’s big air final.

A particularly disappointing moment came in mixed doubles curling, where Jocelyn Peterman and Brett Gallant fell out of playoff contention following losses to Sweden and South Korea, ending their run at 3–5. The defeat marked the second consecutive Olympics in which Canada’s mixed doubles entry failed to qualify for the elimination round.

Internationally, the day was overshadowed by a dramatic crash involving American alpine star Lindsey Vonn, who attempted to compete despite a torn ACL. She lost control early in her downhill run, suffering a broken leg that required airlifting and surgery. World champion Breezy Johnson claimed gold, earning the first Olympic medal of her career.

In brighter news for Canada, the men’s hockey team arrived in Italy and confirmed Sidney Crosby as captain ahead of Thursday’s opening matchup against Czechia.

Looking ahead to Monday, Canada has two promising contenders in women’s slopestyle. Megan Oldham enters the final as a realistic medal threat following multiple world championship podiums and a strong World Cup record, including a silver in January. Naomi Urness also presents an intriguing possibility after a breakthrough big air season featuring three consecutive World Cup medals. Both athletes placed inside the top eight during qualifying and will make three runs in the final beginning early Monday morning.

In speed skating, Béatrice Lamarche will race the women’s 1,000m, where she remains a long shot but still carries competitive momentum from last season’s World Cup bronze in the distance. Her challenge will be formidable, with top contenders including Dutch standout Jutta Leerdam and Japan’s Miho Takagi.

Other events to watch include the concluding round-robin action in mixed doubles curling, the debut of the men’s team combined in alpine skiing, the opening segment of ice dance featuring strong Canadian entries, and Canada’s second women’s hockey game, a matchup against Czechia following a dominant tournament start.