The upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in northern Italy are drawing closer, now less than four months away. A significant event leading to these Games kicks off in Canada this weekend with the start of the short track speed skating World Tour at Montreal’s Maurice Richard Arena.
The World Tour, previously known as the World Cup, is a global series of competitions for elite short track skaters worldwide. Typically consisting of six stops, this season’s tour has been condensed to four to accommodate the Olympics. Montreal will host the first two events, followed by Poland and the Netherlands. Additionally, Montreal will host the world championships in March, shortly after the Olympics.
The initial two days of each World Tour meet focus on qualifying for the medal rounds, which are scheduled for Saturday and Sunday. Athletes compete in three individual distances (500m, 1,000m, 1,500m) for both men and women, as well as three relay events. Points are accumulated throughout the season, with the leading skater in each distance and the overall champion receiving the prestigious Crystal Globe trophy. There is also a team Crystal Globe awarded to the country with the most points.
In this Olympic year, the World Tour will play a crucial role in determining the number of entries each country receives for the Games and the skaters who will fill those spots.
During the 2022 Olympics in Beijing, Canadian short track skaters secured four medals, behind South Korea (five) and on par with China, the Netherlands, and Italy. Notably, Steven Dubois claimed three medals, including silver in the men’s 1,500m and bronze in the 500m, in addition to contributing to the men’s relay gold in Charles Hamelin’s final Olympic race. On the women’s side, Kim Boutin clinched a bronze in the 500m, marking her fourth Olympic medal.
Expectations are high for Canada’s short track team in Milan this February, with the likelihood of surpassing the national record of six medals from the 2002 Salt Lake City Games. Canada currently boasts exceptional prowess in short track speed skating compared to other nations.
In the previous season, Canadian skaters dominated the World Tour, securing 37 medals, including 21 golds, across six stops. This performance led to Canada, dubbed the Ice Maples, claiming the team Crystal Globe ahead of the Dutch Lions and Italy’s Gladiators. At the world championships in Beijing, Canadians continued their success by winning six out of nine events, with a clean sweep of the men’s gold medals and a total of 10 medals.
Will Dandjinou emerged as a standout performer, showcasing his talent by winning eight individual races on the World Tour and clinching his first overall Crystal Globe. The 23-year-old from Sherbrooke, Que., combined power, athleticism, tactical prowess, and a touch of showmanship to secure the 1,000m and 1,500m championships. After missing the 2022 Olympics, Dandjinou is set to shine in Italy this winter.
Canada’s dominance in short track speed skating positions them as a formidable force in the upcoming season.
