Canadian Bobsled Team Qualifies for 2026 Olympics with Full Fleet of Sleds
The Canadian bobsled team is heading to the 2026 Winter Olympics with momentum and a complete roster of sleds, thanks to a dramatic last-minute qualification effort that showcased the power of teamwork. The team was officially unveiled at Olympic Heights School in Calgary on Friday, January 23, 2026, where athletes shared inspiring stories of perseverance and collective effort.
A Triumph of Teamwork and Resilience
Calgary firefighter Bianca Ribi emerged as a central figure in Canada's Olympic qualification story. The 29-year-old pilot faced significant challenges in securing Canada's third women's sled spot, requiring a strong performance on the World Cup circuit in Europe just days before the team announcement.
Ribi's journey to qualification was anything but smooth. Describing it as "a whirlwind last-minute trip," she arrived in Altenberg, Germany, only to discover her luggage had not made the journey with her. In a display of true team spirit, her fellow athletes stepped up to ensure she could compete.
"Each of the women standing here today welcomed me with open arms and got me dressed, ready and prepared to deliver a result for Canada," Ribi told students during the spirited school assembly. "I trained and competed in pieces of clothing from each one of them. And do you know what happened? We did it ... together as a team."
Securing the Final Olympic Spot
Ribi's performance proved crucial for Canada's Olympic ambitions. She finished 10th in both the monobob and two-woman races in Altenberg, securing that final qualification spot that allowed Canada to field a full complement of sleds in Italy.
Reflecting on her journey, Ribi shared with students how she nearly gave up on her Olympic dream. "I was nervous my dream was dead," she admitted. "But I decided to be positive and patient and continued to work hard with my teammates and reached the podium in nearly every North American Cup race and waited for my opportunity. I finally got it."
Canada's Complete Olympic Bobsled Roster
Canada will boast an impressive fleet of sleds at the Milano Cortina Games, demonstrating the depth of talent in the national program. The team configuration includes:
- Three sleds for the two-woman event
- Two sleds for the women's monobob event
- Two sleds for the two-man event
- Two sleds for the four-man event
The 17-athlete team represents a significant achievement for Bobsleigh Canada Skeleton, which has maintained a tradition of excellence spanning six decades with hundreds of medals at Olympic Games, world championships, and World Cup events.
Carrying Forward a Legacy of Excellence
Ribi emphasized the responsibility she and her teammates feel in representing Canada on the world stage. "Everyone lifts a sled in this program, and team starts with each of us," she explained. "I can assure this group of Canucks are equally committed to wearing these Team Canada jackets and race suits with as much pride as those who have slid before us. In fact, it is our goal to leave the suit in a better place when we leave."
The team's qualification success comes at an opportune moment, with the Olympics just days away. The athletes now turn their attention to final preparations before departing for Italy, where they will compete against the world's best in one of winter sports' most thrilling disciplines.
Canada's bobsled team features pilots from across the country, including Cynthia Appiah from Toronto, Melissa Lotholz from Barrhead, Alberta, and Bianca Ribi from Calgary. Their collective journey to the Olympics serves as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved through determination, teamwork, and unwavering commitment to a shared goal.
