Key Takeaways
- Mark McMorris and Laurie Blouin are among the six athletes named to Canada’s Olympic snowboard slopestyle and big air team
- McMorris will be making his fourth Olympic appearance, while Blouin will be making her third
- The team also includes debutants Eli Bouchard, Francis Jobin, Juliette Pelchat, and Cameron Spalding
- Reigning slopestyle world champion Liam Brearley will not compete due to injury
- The Olympic snowboard slopestyle and big air events will take place in Italy in February
Introduction to the Canadian Olympic Snowboard Team
The Canadian Olympic snowboard slopestyle and big air team has been announced, and it features a mix of experienced athletes and debutants. Mark McMorris and Laurie Blouin are among the six athletes who will represent Canada at the Winter Olympics in Italy next month. McMorris, a 32-year-old from Regina, will be making his fourth Olympic appearance, while Blouin, a 29-year-old from Quebec City, will be making her third. The team also includes Eli Bouchard, Francis Jobin, Juliette Pelchat, and Cameron Spalding, who will all be competing in their first Olympics.
Mark McMorris: A Veteran Athlete
McMorris is one of the most experienced athletes on the team, with three Olympic bronze medals in the men’s slopestyle event. He has been competing at the highest level for many years and has a wealth of experience to draw upon. McMorris is excited to be representing Canada at his fourth Winter Olympics and is looking forward to sharing his experience with the younger riders on the team. "It’s incredibly special to be representing Canada at my fourth Olympic Winter Games," he said. "Every time I get the opportunity to wear the maple leaf on the Olympic stage, it means a lot, and I’m grateful to still be competing at a level where I can do that." McMorris is proud to be part of the team and is embracing his role as a veteran athlete.
Laurie Blouin: A Medal Hopeful
Blouin is also a experienced athlete, with two Olympic appearances under her belt. She won silver in the women’s slopestyle event at the 2018 Olympics and is currently seventh in the World Snowboard points list. Blouin is a medal hopeful for Canada and will be looking to build on her previous Olympic experience. She has been competing at a high level for many years and has the skills and experience to challenge for a medal in Italy. Blouin’s experience and consistency make her a key member of the Canadian team, and she will be looking to make a strong impression at the Olympics.
The Debutants
The Canadian team also includes four debutants: Eli Bouchard, Francis Jobin, Juliette Pelchat, and Cameron Spalding. Spalding, a 20-year-old from Havelock, Ont., won the FIS Crystal Globe in snowboard slopestyle for the 2024-25 season and is currently ranked seventh in the World Snowboard points list. He is one of the most promising young athletes on the team and will be looking to make a strong impression at his first Olympics. The other debutants will also be looking to learn from their experience and gain valuable exposure at the highest level.
Injury to Liam Brearley
Reigning slopestyle world champion Liam Brearley will not compete at the Olympics due to injury. Brearley had pre-qualified for the Canadian Olympic team based on his results in 2025 but sustained an injury that required surgery. His absence will be felt, but the Canadian team still has a strong lineup and will be looking to challenge for medals in Italy. The team will have to come together and perform well if they are to achieve their goals, but they have the talent and experience to do so.
Conclusion
The Canadian Olympic snowboard slopestyle and big air team is a strong and experienced team, with a mix of veteran athletes and debutants. Mark McMorris and Laurie Blouin are among the most experienced athletes on the team, while Eli Bouchard, Francis Jobin, Juliette Pelchat, and Cameron Spalding will be making their Olympic debuts. The team will be looking to challenge for medals in Italy and will be representing Canada with pride. With their talent, experience, and dedication, the Canadian team is sure to make a strong impression at the Winter Olympics.