Dandjinou, Sarault headline Canada’s Olympic strong short track team for Milano Cortina

Canada’s short track speed skating team for the Milano Cortina Olympic Games was announced on Wednesday, and the 10-athlete roster boasts plenty of star power.

Led by William Dandjinou and Courtney Sarault, the respective men’s and women’s Crystal Globe winners at this year’s World Tour, the Canadian short track team is expected to be in medal contention in every event at the Games.

Sarault skated to nine individual medals (five gold, three silver, one bronze) across the four World Tour stops and feels that she’s built plenty of momentum heading into the Winter Games.

“Qualifying for my second Olympics is really something special, especially because I’m feeling strong and at the top of my game,” Sarault said in a statement. “Representing Canada is something I take a lot of pride in, and I’m really excited to compete and show the world what I have to give.

Canada's Sarault and Dandjinou receive Crystal Globes for overall season titles

The 24-year-old will compete in her second Olympic Winter Games alongside Danaé Blais and Florence Brunelle. Four-time Olympic medallist Kim Boutin will represent Canada at her third Olympic Winter Games, while Rikki Doak will make her Olympic debut.

Milano Cortina will also see the return of spectators to Olympic venues, a change from the COVID-19 protocols that marked the Beijing 2022 experience for athletes like Sarault.

“I’ve changed a lot since Beijing and feel I’m mentally and physically ready going into these Games. I’m looking forward to having my friends and family in Milan to support me, and people in the stands to cheer me on,” she said. “Really excited to get to live a true Olympic experience and enjoy the moment.”

The men’s side boasts a surplus of talent from both the rookie