Key Takeaways
- The Canadian Olympic Committee has nominated its bobsled team for the upcoming Milan Cortina Games
- Canada will have three sleds for the two-woman event and two sleds for each of the women’s monobob, two-man, and four-man events
- Experienced pilots such as Cynthia Appiah, Melissa Lotholz, and Taylor Austin will lead the team
- The team has a mix of veterans and newcomers, including former CFL defensive back Jay Dearborn, who will make his second Olympic appearance as a pilot
- Team Canada has a strong history in bobsled, with 10 Olympic medals since 1964, including five golds
Introduction to the Canadian Bobsled Team
The Canadian Olympic Committee has officially nominated its bobsled team for the upcoming Milan Cortina Games, which will take place in 2026. The team will consist of three sleds for the two-woman event and two sleds for each of the women’s monobob, two-man, and four-man events. The team is led by experienced pilots such as Cynthia Appiah, Melissa Lotholz, and Taylor Austin, who will be competing in various events. The nomination of the bobsled team marks an exciting moment for Canadian winter sports, as the country looks to build on its strong history in the sport.
Meet the Pilots
The pilots for the Canadian bobsled team are a mix of veterans and newcomers. Melissa Lotholz, who will be making her third Olympic appearance, is one of the most experienced pilots on the team. She has been Canada’s most consistent pilot throughout the 2025-26 season, with six top-six finishes in seven IBSF World Cup monobob races. Lotholz has also won 18 World Cup and two World Championship medals throughout her career, making her a strong contender for the upcoming Games. Cynthia Appiah, who captured a monobob silver medal at a World Cup stop in Winterberg, Germany, earlier this month, is another talented pilot on the team. Taylor Austin, who secured his second trip to the Olympics as a pilot, is also expected to perform well, having begun the journey to Milano Cortina 2026 with a bronze medal at the 2022-23 World Cup opener in Whistler, B.C.
New Faces on the Team
In addition to the experienced pilots, the Canadian bobsled team also includes some new faces. Jay Dearborn, a former CFL defensive back, will be making his second Olympic appearance, but first as a pilot. Dearborn has been developing his driving skills over the last four years while competing on both the North American Cup and World Cup circuits. This season, he reached the podium in 12 of 14 North American Cup races, demonstrating his potential as a pilot. Other newcomers to the team include Kelsey Mitchell, Dawn Richardson-Wilson, Skylar Sieben, Niamh Haughey, and Eden Wilson, who will be competing as crew members.
Canada’s Bobsled History
Team Canada has a rich history in bobsled, with 10 Olympic medals since 1964, including five golds, two silvers, and three bronzes. The team has consistently performed well in international competitions, and the current team is expected to continue this trend. With a mix of experienced pilots and newcomers, the Canadian bobsled team is well-positioned to make a strong showing at the Milan Cortina Games. The team’s success will depend on the performance of its pilots and crew members, as well as the team’s overall chemistry and strategy.
The Road to the Olympics
The Canadian bobsled team has been working towards the Milan Cortina Games for several years, with many of the athletes competing in World Cup and North American Cup events to gain experience and qualify for the Olympics. The team’s preparation has included intense training sessions, equipment testing, and strategy development. With the nomination of the team, the athletes can now focus on fine-tuning their skills and preparing for the competition. The Canadian Olympic Committee’s nomination of the bobsled team marks an exciting moment for Canadian winter sports, and fans will be eagerly following the team’s progress as they compete in the Milan Cortina Games.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Canadian Olympic Committee’s nomination of the bobsled team for the Milan Cortina Games is an exciting development for Canadian winter sports. With a mix of experienced pilots and newcomers, the team is well-positioned to make a strong showing at the Games. The team’s success will depend on the performance of its pilots and crew members, as well as the team’s overall chemistry and strategy. As the team prepares to compete in the Milan Cortina Games, fans will be eagerly following their progress, hoping to see Canada add to its rich history of Olympic bobsled medals.
