Canada’s Milan Olympic Medal Count Opens

MILAN (Azat TV) – Canada has officially entered the medal standings at the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, securing its first podium finish on Day 5 with a bronze medal in ice dance. Veteran duo Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier delivered a poignant performance to earn their inaugural Olympic medal, signaling the start of Canada’s pursuit for a strong presence at the Games.

Their bronze in figure skating’s ice dance competition marks a significant milestone for the Canadian delegation, coming as other key Canadian teams, including the highly anticipated men’s ice hockey squad, prepare to make their debuts.

Canada’s First Medal: Ice Dance Bronze

The long-awaited medal came courtesy of Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier, who captivated audiences with their free skate routine. The pair finished with a total score of 217.74, placing them behind France’s Guillaume Cizeron and Laurence Beaudry Fournier, who won gold, and Team USA’s Madison Chock and Evan Bates, who secured silver. This achievement represents the first career Olympic medal for both Gilles and Poirier, a culmination of years of dedication and competition.

Their performance was lauded for its emotion and technical precision. As reported by The Athletic, Gilles, visibly moved, shed tears after hitting her final pose, a routine performed in memory of her late mother. The crowd’s enthusiastic response, including Canadian fans on the jumbotron, underscored the profound impact of their routine. Judges particularly praised their twizzles (traveling one-foot rotational turns) and rotational lifts, which contributed significantly to their technical score of 15.29 in the free skate.

Emotional Victory for Gilles and Poirier

The atmosphere at the Milano Ice Skating Arena was charged with anticipation as Gilles and Poirier took to the ice. Their free skate to the song “Vincent” by Govardo resonated deeply, earning them a free skate score of 131.56, which initially placed them in the lead before the final two pairs competed. The Canadian duo’s reaction in front of the “kiss and cry” camera—jumping out of their seats—reflected the immense joy and relief of securing a long-coveted Olympic medal. This bronze not only opens Canada’s medal account but also serves as an inspirational moment for the entire Canadian team.

For years, Gilles and Poirier have been prominent figures in the world of ice dance, consistently performing at a high level. Their journey to the Olympic podium has been closely watched by fans and experts alike, making this bronze medal a particularly meaningful achievement for the pair and for Canadian figure skating.

Canadian Hockey Squad Readies for Debut

Beyond the ice rink’s individual events, Canada’s collective strength is also on display, with the men’s ice hockey tournament beginning on Day 5. While other nations like Slovakia and Sweden had their opening matches, Canada’s highly anticipated men’s team is slated to make its 2026 Olympic debut on Day 6. Featuring an NHL superstar-laden roster, including captain Connor McDavid, the Canadian squad will face the Czech Republic.

This upcoming match is a significant event for Canadian sports enthusiasts, who hold high expectations for their national hockey team. The women’s curling tournament is also set to commence, following the men’s round-robin play, adding another layer of Canadian participation in team events. These team sports offer additional opportunities for Canada to bolster its medal count in the coming days of the Games.

Outlook for Canada’s Medal Aspirations

With Day 5 concluded, Norway currently leads the overall medal count with seven gold medals and a total of 13. Host nation Italy is also performing strongly, particularly in luge. Canada’s single bronze medal places it further down the initial leaderboard, but the Games are still in their early stages, with many medal events remaining across various disciplines.

The bronze from Gilles and Poirier sets a foundational marker for Canada. As more Canadian athletes and teams, particularly in high-profile sports like ice hockey, begin their competitions, the nation will look to significantly increase its medal haul. The early success in figure skating provides a boost, and expectations remain high for Canada to establish a strong presence on the podium throughout the remainder of the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.

Canada’s first medal, an emotional bronze in ice dance, provides a crucial initial boost, underscoring the potential for the nation to build momentum and achieve a competitive standing as the 2026 Milan Cortina Winter Olympics progress.