Canada’s ski jumping team, now confirmed for the Milano-Cortina Winter Games, is brimming with optimism, largely thanks to Abi Strate. The 24-year-old played a pivotal role in Canada’s unexpected bronze win in the mixed team event at Beijing 2022. Since then, Strate has been on an upward trajectory, though she admits time has swiftly passed.
The newly announced Olympic squad, unveiled on Tuesday, also features Calgarians Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes, Natalie Eiliers, and Nicole Maurer, all hailing from Calgary. Like Strate, Boyd-Clowes contributed to Canada’s medal success in Beijing.
In an interview with CBC Sports host Perdita Felicien, Strate shared her feelings upon being named to the 2026 Olympic team. “Yeah, pretty, pretty amazing,” she expressed. “Olympics only come around every four years, so it seems like the last ones just happened, and now we’re already…three weeks from the opening [ceremony] in Italy.”
Following a fruitful summer jumping season, where Strate achieved podium finishes in all five events, she continued her winning streak on the snow this season. Reflecting on her recent accomplishments, Strate mentioned her gold-medal victory in Obertsdorf, Germany, on Jan. 1, attributing it to years of dedication and competition.
Regarding her Olympic aspirations, Strate emphasized that while winning a World Cup gold was a dream come true, her ultimate goals are yet to be attained. She expressed her excitement for her second Olympic appearance, particularly looking forward to the presence of spectators and the vibrant atmosphere after the spectator limitations in Beijing due to Covid-19.
In a heartwarming note, Strate mentioned the absence of her friend and teammate Alexandra Loutitt from the upcoming Games due to a knee injury. Despite this setback, Strate remains optimistic about their future in the sport, highlighting their shared ambitions for potential future events.
Notably, the mixed team that clinched bronze in 2022 will not compete at Milano-Cortina, as Canada cannot field a mixed team, with Boyd-Clowes being the lone male qualifier. Strate, Eilers, and Maurer will represent Canada in the women’s events, competing in both normal hill and large hill competitions.
Boyd-Clowes, entering his fifth Olympics after a hiatus from ski jumping, Eilers returning from a knee injury, and Maurer consistently ranking in the top-30 on the World Cup circuit this season, add depth to Canada’s competitive lineup for the upcoming Winter Games.
