Key Takeaways
- Three Calgarians, Brooklyn McDougall, Ted-Jan Bloeman, and Anders Johnson, have been named to Canada’s Olympic long track speed skating team for the 2026 Milano Cortina games.
- Ted-Jan Bloeman will be appearing at his third Olympics, having won silver and gold medals in previous games.
- Brooklyn McDougall will be competing in her second Olympics, having placed 22nd in the 500 meters at her debut in Beijing 2022.
- Anders Johnson will make his Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026, having won gold at the 2024 ISU World Single Distances Championships and setting a world record.
Introduction to the Olympic Team
The city of Calgary is proud to announce that three of its own have been named to Canada’s Olympic long track speed skating team. Brooklyn McDougall, Ted-Jan Bloeman, and Anders Johnson will represent Canada at the 2026 Milano Cortina games, which are set to take place from February 6 to 22. This is a significant achievement for the three athletes, who have worked tirelessly to hone their skills and secure a spot on the national team. With their combined experience and talent, they are sure to make a strong impression at the upcoming games.
Ted-Jan Bloeman’s Olympic Experience
Ted-Jan Bloeman is no stranger to the Olympic stage, having competed in two previous games. In 2018, he won silver in the 5,000-meter event and gold in the 10,000-meter event, making him a medal contender in his respective categories. However, at the Beijing 2022 games, he failed to reach the podium in the three events he participated in. Despite this setback, Bloeman is looking to bounce back and make a strong showing at Milano Cortina 2026. Born in the Netherlands, Bloeman joined the Canadian national team in 2014 after spending eight years competing in the highly competitive Dutch speed skating system. His experience and skill will undoubtedly be an asset to the Canadian team.
Brooklyn McDougall’s Background and Achievements
Brooklyn McDougall will be competing in her second Olympics, having made her debut at the Beijing 2022 games. At just 27 years old, McDougall has already achieved significant success in her speed skating career, placing 22nd in the 500-meter event at her first Olympics. In addition to her athletic pursuits, McDougall is also a talented artist and graduated from the University of Calgary with a Bachelor of Science in Biological Sciences in 2021. She has even been commissioned by the Olympic Museum to create original artwork, which is now part of the museum’s Lausanne collection. After she retires from speed skating, McDougall plans to pursue a Master’s degree in Management, demonstrating her dedication to both her athletic and academic pursuits.
Anders Johnson’s Rise to the Olympics
Anders Johnson, 28, will be making his Olympic debut at Milano Cortina 2026. Despite being a newcomer to the Olympic stage, Johnson has already made a name for himself in international competition. He won gold at the 2024 ISU World Single Distances Championships, setting a world record in the process. Johnson’s journey to the Olympics began when he switched from hockey to speed skating at the age of 17, after moving to Edmonton. His success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to his craft, and he is sure to be a contender in his events at the upcoming games.
Conclusion and Outlook
The selection of Brooklyn McDougall, Ted-Jan Bloeman, and Anders Johnson to Canada’s Olympic long track speed skating team is a significant achievement for the city of Calgary and the country as a whole. With their combined experience, talent, and dedication, they are sure to make a strong impression at the 2026 Milano Cortina games. As they prepare to take to the ice, Canadians will be watching with bated breath, cheering on their athletes as they compete against the best in the world. The next few months will be crucial in determining the team’s success, but one thing is certain – McDougall, Bloeman, and Johnson are ready to give it their all and make Canada proud.