The flag bearers for the Milano Cortina 2026 closing ceremonies have been chosen for Team Canada.
The Canadian Olympic Committee has named Olympic champions Steven Dubois and Valérie Maltais.
Milano Cortina 2026 is the second Olympic appearance for Dubois and the fifth for Maltais. Dubois won short track speed skating gold in the men’s 500m and silver in the mixed team relay. Maltais won three medals in long track speed skating – gold in the women’s team pursuit and bronze medals in the women’s 1500m and 3000m races.
For Dubois, the Olympic title won in the men’s 500m at Milano Cortina came after a difficult start to the season, suffering a hip injury and returning to training just weeks before the opening stop of the ISU World Tour in Montreal. The perseverance and determination that Dubois displayed throughout the season and throughout the Games were rewarded with two medals at Milano Cortina, making him a five-time Olympic medallist.
“I came into these Games and really wanted to enjoy the experience and bathe in the Olympic spirit. There is no better way to enjoy and experience this than being the flag bearer for your country. This is a bonus, and it means a lot; it’s the cherry on top to represent every Canadian athlete who has worked so hard to get here,” stated Dubois.
Maltais’ bronze in the women’s 3000m was Team Canada’s first medal won at Milano Cortina 2026. Her success continued with gold in the women’s team pursuit and bronze in the 1500m, her first medal at that distance. Maltais is now a five-time Olympic medallist, with medals in both long track and short track speed skating.
She is one of only three five-time Olympians on the Canadian Olympic Team for Milano Cortina 2026.
“I’m really proud, and I’m accepting this role really humbly because I know there are so many great athletes on this team. I think my Games were more than what I expected, and I celebrated every medal, every moment. I feel that I did this with all of Canada, the crowds and my family who were in the stands,” Maltais expressed.
The President of the Canadian Olympic Committee and also a four-time Olympian, Tricia Smith, said this will be a celebration of the unique and amazing journeys of all of the athletes.
“Steven and Valérie have been shining stars at these Games, both on and off the ice. Not only through their electrifying gold medal-winning races, but also their resilience and positivity throughout the Games,” Smith added.
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