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sports

Team Canada Speed Skating Gold: PM Trudeau Congratulates Olympic Champions

by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor February 21, 2026

written by Luis Mendoza - Sport Editor

Prime Minister Mark Carney personally congratulated Canada’s women’s team pursuit speed skating team following their stunning gold medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The victory marks a historic second consecutive Olympic gold for the Canadian trio of Ivanie Blondin, Valérie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann, cementing their place in Canadian sporting history. The heartfelt exchange, shared on X (formerly Twitter) on Thursday, showcased the team proudly displaying their medals to the Prime Minister.

The Canadian team defeated the Netherlands in the final on February 17th, finishing the 12-lap event with a winning time of two minutes and 55.81 seconds, according to TSN. Trailing early in the race, the Canadians demonstrated remarkable teamwork and determination to surge ahead in the latter laps, securing a decisive victory. This win adds to Canada’s growing medal count at the Games, currently standing at 16 – four gold, five silver, and seven bronze – as of Friday, February 21st.

In a video posted on his X account, Prime Minister Carney addressed the athletes in French, saying “Félicitations,” which translates to “Congratulations.” He continued in English, expressing his admiration for their achievement. “To win, obviously, is incredible — you know better than I,” Carney said. “But to repeat. To repeat! Unbelievable.” The Prime Minister also lightheartedly shared a story about winning a lawn bowling trophy at the Hamilton Italian Centre earlier in the year, playfully offering to grab the team for a lesson.

The victory wasn’t just a triumph on the ice. it was a moment of national pride. Carney emphasized this, stating, “I’m spoiled in this role because I get to say, on behalf of all Canadians, how proud we are. You guys nailed it!” The team’s performance has resonated with fans across the country, capturing the hearts of Canadians with their dedication and skill.

This is the second Olympic medal of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics for Valérie Maltais, who previously secured a bronze in the women’s 3,000 metres. Adding to her impressive showing, Maltais earned a third medal on Friday, claiming bronze in the 1,500-metres. Both Maltais and Blondin are now preparing to compete in the women’s mass start semifinals on Saturday, Global News reports.

The Canadian team’s journey to gold wasn’t without its challenges. They defeated the United States in the semifinal round by over four seconds, demonstrating their consistent performance throughout the competition. The Netherlands, who finished second, had previously defeated Japan in their semifinal matchup by a narrow margin of just over a tenth of a second.

For Isabelle Weidemann, this fourth career Olympic medal adds to her previous successes at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where she won silver in both the women’s 5,000 metres and 3,000 metres. Ivanie Blondin also has a silver medal from the mass start event in Beijing. The team’s success is a testament to their years of dedication and the strong coaching staff led by Remmelt Eldering.

As the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games draw to a close on Sunday, February 22nd, the Canadian team continues to compete for further medals. The women’s team pursuit victory serves as a powerful symbol of Canadian athletic excellence and a source of inspiration for athletes and fans alike. The team’s legacy extends beyond the medals, embodying the spirit of perseverance and teamwork.

The Canadian women’s team pursuit squad has proven themselves to be a force to be reckoned with on the international stage. Their back-to-back Olympic gold medals are a testament to their unwavering commitment and exceptional talent. What comes next for these athletes remains to be seen, but their impact on Canadian sport will undoubtedly be felt for years to come.

What are your thoughts on Team Canada’s incredible performance? Share your comments below and support us celebrate their achievements!

February 21, 2026 0 comments

Entertainment

Corinne Stoddard Wins Historic Bronze, First US Woman in 16 Years to Medal in Short Track

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor February 21, 2026

written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

MILAN, Italy – Corinne Stoddard etched her name into the history books Friday, winning a bronze medal in the women’s 1500-meter short track speed skating event at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics. The 24-year-old American’s podium finish marked the first time a U.S. Woman has medaled in the event in 16 years, a significant breakthrough for American short track racing. The victory came after a challenging start to the Games for Stoddard, who overcame early setbacks to deliver a stunning performance.

The race, held at the Milano Ice Skating Arena, saw South Korea’s Kim Gilli claim gold, with her teammate Choi Min-jeong taking silver. Stoddard, ranked second in the world in short track entering the Games, demonstrated resilience and strategic skating, holding the lead for a significant portion of the race before being overtaken by the Korean duo. Her bronze medal not only represents a personal triumph but also ends a seven-year medal drought for American short track skaters, according to reporting from Fox News.

Stoddard’s journey to the podium wasn’t without its hurdles. She experienced a difficult start to her Olympic campaign, slipping three times during her first day on the ice in Milan. Still, she regained her form and navigated the preliminary rounds successfully, earning her place in the final. “I think after the 1000 meters, I basically spent the whole day crying in bed,” Stoddard confessed, reflecting on her initial struggles. “I basically came from the depths of hell to acquire here, and I couldn’t have done it without my team and my staff and my coaches, everyone, just lifting me up and [giving] me the confidence that I could skate the way I know how to after so many terrible races.”

The final race saw Stoddard set a strong early pace, but Choi surged to the front with two laps remaining, prompting a response from both Gilli and Stoddard. Gilli ultimately made the decisive pass, securing the gold, even as Stoddard held on for a well-deserved bronze. Raising her arms in triumph as she crossed the finish line, Stoddard celebrated a moment that resonated with her team and supporters.

Corinne Stoddard of the United States celebrates after winning bronze in the short track speed skating women’s 1500 meters at the Milano Ice Skating Arena during the 2026 Milan Cortina Olympics on Feb. 20, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

The American skater credited her support system for helping her overcome the initial setbacks. “Today was just to prove to myself that I can skate under the Olympic pressure and to prove to myself that I’m still me,” she said. “And I did that. And I feel like that’s a great way to end such a terrible Olympics.” This sentiment underscores the mental fortitude required to compete at the highest level and the importance of a strong support network.

The competition also saw Italian speed skating legend Arianna Fontana fall short of tying the Winter Olympics medal record. Fontana, seeking her 15th medal, finished fifth in the 1500-meter finale after previously winning gold in the 2,000-meter relay and silver in the 500 meters and 3,000-meter relay. Meanwhile, American Jordan Stolz had previously secured a silver medal in the men’s 1,500-meter speed skating event, adding to the U.S. Medal count.

Corinne Stoddard reacts after competing in the short track speed skating women's 1500 meters at Milano Ice Skating Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games Feb. 20, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images) — Corinne Stoddard of the United States reacts after competing in the short track speed skating women’s 1500 meters at Milano Ice Skating Arena during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games on Feb. 20, 2026, in Milan, Italy. (Maja Hitij/Getty Images)

Stoddard’s bronze medal represents a turning point for American short track speed skating, signaling a resurgence of talent and potential for future success. As the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics continue, the focus will shift to other events, but Stoddard’s achievement will undoubtedly inspire a new generation of American skaters. The U.S. Team will look to build on this momentum as the Games progress, aiming for further success on the world stage.

What are your thoughts on Corinne Stoddard’s incredible comeback? Share your reactions in the comments below and be sure to share this story with your friends!

February 21, 2026 0 comments

Entertainment

Laila Edwards: First Black Woman to Win Olympic Gold in Women’s Hockey & Kelce Support

by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor February 20, 2026

written by Marina Collins - Entertainment Editor

Milan-Cortina, Italy – Laila Edwards etched her name into Olympic history Thursday night, becoming the first Black American woman to win a gold medal in women’s hockey. The United States defeated Canada 2-1 in a thrilling overtime victory, capping off a remarkable Games for the 21-year-old forward who also broke barriers simply by taking the ice.

Edwards assisted on the first goal of the game, contributing directly to the U.S. Team’s comeback win. Her journey to the podium wasn’t just about athletic prowess; it was a story of family support and community rallying behind a rising star. This historic win marks a significant moment for diversity and inclusion in the sport of hockey, inspiring a new generation of athletes.

Edwards’ impact extended beyond the medal stand. In her very first game at the Olympics, she became the first Black woman to represent Team USA in the sport, according to reporting from The Athletic. This milestone was made possible by a dedicated fundraising effort to bring her family to Italy to witness her Olympic debut.

Recognizing the financial burden of international travel, Edwards launched a GoFundMe campaign to cover the costs for her parents and four siblings to attend the Games. The campaign quickly surpassed its $50,000 goal, ultimately raising over $61,000 thanks to contributions from 650 donors. The outpouring of support allowed not only her immediate family, but also her 91-year-old grandmother, Ernestine Gray, and four friends to be present for this momentous occasion.

Kelce Brothers Show Support

Among the generous donors were NFL stars Jason and Travis Kelce, who contributed $10,000 to the campaign. The brothers, both hailing from Cleveland, Ohio – like Edwards – have been vocal supporters of the young hockey player since she joined the U.S. National Team in 2023. Jason and Kylie Kelce were in the stands cheering on Team USA as they secured the gold medal.

Edwards shared her surprise and gratitude after connecting with Travis Kelce online. “I thought, ‘I’ll just message them, thanking them, they’ll never witness it,” Edwards said. “And then Travis and I had a full conversation over DM,” she continued. “That was super cool… he was a really down-to-earth, humble guy who was super supportive and had really good things to say.” The Kelce brothers also acknowledged Edwards’ achievement on their podcast, offering further recognition of her accomplishments.

The Winter Games are set to conclude this weekend with the closing ceremony, but Edwards’ legacy will undoubtedly extend far beyond the final whistle. Her story is a testament to the power of perseverance, family, and community support.

As the Games draw to a close, the focus shifts to the future of women’s hockey and the impact Edwards’ success will have on inspiring young athletes from diverse backgrounds. Her gold medal is not just a personal triumph, but a symbol of progress and opportunity within the sport. Share your thoughts on Edwards’ historic win in the comments below.

February 20, 2026 0 comments

world

Quebec Designer Dresses Olympic Figure Skaters at 2026 Winter Games

by Omar El Sayed - World Editor February 20, 2026

written by Omar El Sayed - World Editor

MILAN, Italy – As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milan, a Quebec-based costume designer is gaining international recognition for his intricate work adorning some of the world’s top figure skaters. Mathieu Caron, a former ballroom dancer, has created designs for 28 athletes representing 10 countries competing in the games.

Caron’s journey into costume design began with a childhood fascination with the “bling-bling and the fabrics” of ballroom dance attire, prompting him to study fashion at LaSalle College in Montreal. He initially launched a company focused on ballroom dance costumes before expanding into the world of figure skating and ice dancing. His breakthrough came in 2018 when he designed the costumes worn by Canadian ice dancers Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir during their gold medal-winning performance at the Pyeongchang Olympics.

Now, at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Games, Caron’s creations are once again on display. Among the athletes wearing his designs are American ice dancers Madison Chock and Evan Bates, and Japanese skater Ami Nakai. The designer emphasizes a collaborative process, working closely with athletes, coaches, and choreographers to ensure each costume complements the music and enhances the skater’s performance.

“We have meetings with athletes, but also with the coaches, choreographers. We talk about the music and the vision of the program,” Caron told Global News. He explained that a successful design “helps emphasize the performance and the skills of the skaters” without drawing undue attention to itself.

The creation of these elaborate costumes is a painstaking process, often requiring up to 150 hours from initial sketch to the final placement of rhinestones. Caron’s studio employs a team of designers, cutters, seamstresses, pattern makers, and painters to bring these visions to life. The cost of these bespoke garments reflects the intensive labor involved, typically ranging from $3,500 to $8,000 depending on complexity.

While figure skating remains his primary focus, Caron has expressed ambitions to expand his creative work into other areas, including Broadway musicals and designing complete looks for touring artists. For now, he finds fulfillment in seeing his designs showcased on the Olympic stage.