MILAN — Team Canada captured its first silver medal of the 2026 Winter Olympics on Tuesday, delivering a historic performance in the short-track speed skating mixed team relay. The Canadian quartet—comprising William Dandjinou, Félix Roussel, Courtney Sarault, and Kim Boutin—battled through a high-stakes final at the Milano Ice Skating Arena to secure second place, marking a significant milestone for the nation’s short-track program.
The race was a tactical thriller from the start. Canada maintained a steady position in the top three for the majority of the 18-lap event, navigating a crowded field that included powerhouses Italy and China. A pivotal moment occurred near the midway point when Belgium briefly overtook the Canadians, but a seamless exchange allowed the team to regain its podium standing. In the final three laps, Félix Roussel executed a decisive pass to move Canada into second place. While anchor William Dandjinou closed the gap on the leaders, host nation Italy held on to claim gold, much to the delight of the home crowd. Belgium finished just behind Canada to take the bronze.
This silver medal carries extra weight for several team members. For Kim Boutin, it represents her fifth career Olympic medal, officially making her Canada’s most decorated female short-track speed skater. The achievement also credits Florence Brunelle and Steven Dubois, who earned medals for their critical roles in the quarterfinal and semifinal heats. Courtney Sarault was particularly instrumental in the semifinals, where her expert maneuvering helped Canada avoid collisions that eliminated the American and South Korean teams.
This victory brings Canada’s total medal count to three in the early days of the Milano Cortina Games. The mixed relay silver joins two previously won bronze medals: one by Valérie Maltais in speed skating and another by Megan Oldham in freestyle skiing. With several individual short-track events still to come, including the 500m and 1,000m, Canadian skaters have set a high bar for the remainder of the competition.
