Sport: As the holiday season unfolds, Team Canada athletes are not taking a break but instead gearing up for thrilling competitions worldwide. From the wrestling mats in Edmonton to the icy tracks of luge in Whistler, and the fast-paced short track speed skating in Seoul, Canada’s sports representatives are set to make waves.
Wrestling Trials in Edmonton:
Edmonton hosts the 2023 Canadian Team Trials, where 115 of Canada’s top wrestlers vie for Olympic qualification spots for Paris 2024. The competition, featuring pool and ladder components, promises intense battles across various weight classes. Notable matchups include the women’s 68kg event with Olivia Di Bacco and Linda Morais and Justina Di Stasio’s quest for an Olympic spot in the women’s 76kg category.
Short Track Speed Skating in Seoul:
The Canadian short-track speed skating team continues its journey on the ISU World Cup circuit in Seoul, South Korea. Standout performers like Jordan Pierre-Gilles, William Dandjinou, and Steven Dubois aim to maintain their winning streaks. The team’s success in the 5000m relay adds to the excitement, making them a force to be reckoned with on the global stage.
Luge World Cup in Whistler:
Nearly 100 of the world’s top luge athletes, including 11 Canadians, descend upon Whistler for the second stop of the FIL World Cup. Trinity Ellis, coming off a personal best in Lake Placid, leads the Canadian contingent aiming for podium finishes. With singles and doubles races for both men and women, Whistler promises high-speed thrills and intense competition.
Ski Jumping in Engelberg:
Canada’s women’s ski jumpers take on the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup in Engelberg, Switzerland. Keep an eye on 19-year-old Alexandria Loutitt, Canada’s first-ever world champion in ski jumping, as she continues her impressive season. Joined by Abigail Strate, Natalie Eilers, and Nicole Maurer, the team aims to soar to new heights on the slopes.
World Skate Street World Championships in Tokyo:
Tokyo welcomes the World Skate Street World Championships, marking the first time the nation hosts a stop on the World Skateboard Tour. Canadian riders, including Tokyo 2020 Olympian Matt Berger and Ryan Decenzo, seek to make their mark. With Olympic qualification implications, the competition adds an extra layer of significance as riders vie for points in the Olympic World Skateboarding Rankings.
As Team Canada athletes showcase their prowess across diverse sports, fans can expect a holiday season filled with excitement, triumphs, and unforgettable moments on the global stage.
