This Friday, the world turns its attention to Milano and Cortina for the opening ceremonies of the 2026 Winter Olympics. With some events, including curling, beginning earlier in the week, anticipation is already building across Canada, and especially here in Kingston.
Kingston has a proud Olympic legacy: Portsmouth Olympic Harbour hosted the sailing events during the 1976 Summer Olympics, and 2026 marks the 50th anniversary of that historic moment in our city’s history. The greater Kingston region is once again proudly represented by a group of remarkable athletes and coaches competing on the world stage. Their dedication, resilience, and drive reflect the spirit of our community, and we’ll be cheering them on as they wear our colours with pride.
Below is a look at the athletes and coaches from our region who have arrived at the Milano-Cortina Games.
Photo credit: Darryl Dyck, The Canadian Press (olympic.ca)
Hallie Clarke - Belleville, ON (Skeleton)
Hallie Clarke will make her Olympic debut after a rapid rise in women’s skeleton. She became the youngest athlete to win the women’s world title in 2024 and followed that with a junior world title in 2025, making her the first to hold both titles at once. With strong results on the World Cup circuit, she arrives at the Games as one of Canada’s most promising athletes in the skeleton.
Photo credit: Graham Hughes, The Canadian Press (olympic.ca)
Trennt Michaud - Belleville, ON (Pair Figure Skating)
Trennt Michaud and Lia Pereira head to the Milano-Cortina Games for their first Olympic debut as a pair. Since forming their partnership in 2022, they have earned Grand Prix medals, a Four Continents podium, and claimed the Canadian pairs title. Their blend of technical strength and expressive performance has made them one of the top Canadian pairs heading into the Games.
Photo credit: Dmitri Lovetsky (olympic.ca)
Jay Dearborn - Yarker, ON (Bobsleigh)
Jay Dearborn returns to the Olympics after competing in the four-man bobsleigh event in Beijing. Now piloting Canada’s sled, he has earned a series of podium finishes on the North American Cup circuit and made steady progress in both two-man and four-man competition. His background playing for the Canadian Football League and natural power contribute to his strong presence on the bobsleigh track. Jay presently acts as an Athlete & Education Ambassador for BGC South East (formerly Boys and Girls Club of Kingston & Area).
Photo credit: NHL.com
Bruce Cassidy - Ottawa, ON (Men’s Hockey Assistant Coach)
Bruce Cassidy joins Canada’s men’s hockey coaching staff for Milano-Cortina Games. Kingston fans will remember his time leading the Kingston Frontenacs from 2006 to 2008. His extensive coaching experience adds valuable insight to Canada’s bench as the team strives for another strong another strong showing.
Photo credit: Julia Thrift, Canada Snowboard (olympic.ca)
Cameron Spalding - Havelock, ON (Snowboard Slopestyle)
Cameron Spalding arrives at his first Olympics following a major breakout season. He earned the overall World Cup Crystal Globe for Men’s Slopestyle after standout wins in Cardrona and Laax. With additional World Cup podium finishes and a strong showing at World Championships, Spalding is quickly establishing himself as one of Canada’s top young Canadian talents in freestyle snowboarding.
Cheering On Our Region
These athletes carry the support of Kingston and its residents with them to the Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games. Their achievements reflect years of dedication and remind us how many incredible stories begin right here in our city, home to Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, host of the 1976 Olympic sailing events. We are proud of all athletes representing our region and Team Canada and wish them every success as the Games begin. Whether catching a Kingston Frontenacs game or visiting Portsmouth Olympic Harbour, we invite visitors to experience Kingston for themselves and see the city that has shaped so many Olympic journeys.
