Image source: Canadian Sports Institute Ontario
Canada has officially unveiled its team of 338 athletes for the upcoming 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, set to kick off on July 26 and run until August 11. This announcement highlights the nation's commitment to sports and showcases the talent that will represent Canada on the global stage.
Supporting these athletes will be a dedicated team of 369 coaches and support staff from various national sports organizations. Additionally, the Canadian Olympic Committee (COC) has provided a mission staff of 191, ensuring that athletes have all the necessary resources to excel in their events.
Bruny Surin, the chef de mission and former Olympic sprinter, expressed pride in the team, stating, “Each athlete has shown exceptional skills and unwavering determination to earn their place. I have no doubt they will inspire our nation with their performances on the Olympic stage. Canada, go chase your dreams in Paris!”
Canada is anticipated to perform strongly in swimming and athletics, but the roster also features promising competitors in various sports, including combat sports, rowing, canoe sprint, weightlifting, three-on-three basketball, and the new discipline of breaking.
Among the standout athletes is Penny Oleksiak, Canada’s most decorated Olympian, with seven medals to her name. Close behind is sprinter Andre De Grasse, who has earned six medals throughout his Olympic journey. The Canadian team will also include six national teams, such as the men’s and women’s basketball squads and the reigning women’s soccer champions.
Unlike the Tokyo 2020 Games, where athletes were unable to have friends and family support them due to COVID-19 restrictions, the Paris Olympics will allow for a full experience. COC Chief Sport Officer Eric Myles emphasized the significance of this, saying, “These Games mark a return to the full scale of the Games we haven’t had the opportunity to experience in a long time. From packed stadiums to welcoming the world to Canada Olympic House, Paris 2024 will be a moment to cherish.”
The team comprises 38 athletes who already possess Olympic medals, along with 142 who have prior Summer Games experience. The youngest member of the Canadian team is Fay De Fazio Ebert, a 14-year-old skateboarder, while Jill Irving, a dressage equestrian from Moncton, Ont., is the oldest at 61. Notably, Mario Deslauriers, at 59, competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.
Family ties are strong in this year’s lineup, with ten athletes having Olympian parents. For example, men’s basketball player RJ Barrett is the son of Rowan Barrett, who represented Canada in the 2000 Sydney Games. Siblings will also be competing together in various sports, including basketball, three-on-three basketball, judo, mountain biking, and sailing.
The team includes 22 alternates, preparing for any unexpected changes. Canada's performance at the last Olympics in Tokyo was remarkable, bringing home 24 medals, the highest total for a non-boycotted Summer Games. They achieved seven gold medals, which tied for the most in a non-boycotted event.
Ontario leads the way in athlete selections, contributing 141 to the team, followed by Quebec with 58, British Columbia with 45, and Alberta with 34.
Artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau from Saint Laurent, Que. encapsulated the spirit of the team, stating, “Each of us has faced unique challenges and pushed through countless obstacles to reach this moment. Our journey has been one of resilience and unwavering commitment. I am eager for us to come together and showcase the strength, skill, and spirit of our team to the world.”
