Calgary's Abigail Strate Soars as Canada's Top Ski Jumping Medal Hope for 2026 Olympics
Calgary native Abigail Strate has positioned herself as Canada's premier medal threat in ski jumping for the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina. The 24-year-old athlete, who will be competing in her second Olympic Games, represents Canada's strongest chance at podium success in the high-flying winter sport.
A Measured Approach to Olympic Gold
While Strate openly acknowledges her desire to win gold at the 2026 Games, she maintains a balanced perspective on her Olympic ambitions. "I want to get gold," Strate stated, "but I'm gonna say that's a goal and not an expectation." Instead, the Springbank Community High School graduate emphasizes her commitment to leaving nothing behind during competition.
"The expectation I have of myself is just to go there and to leave nothing behind," Strate explained. "I don't want to regret anything. I don't want to play it safe. I want to go and I want to give it my all. And I think I'll be proud no matter where that puts me."
Building Momentum Toward Olympic Success
Strate's confidence stems from an impressive competitive season that has seen her consistently perform among the world's elite ski jumpers. Her breakout year began with a dominant summer Grand Prix season where she achieved podium finishes in all five events she entered, including victories in Courchevel, France, and at the 2026 Olympic venue itself.
The momentum continued through recent World Cup competitions in Japan, where Strate earned:
- Back-to-back silver medals on the large hill in Sapporo
- A bronze medal on the normal hill in Zao
Adding to her pre-Olympic credentials, Strate won the Olympic test event in Predazzo, Italy, in September 2025, establishing positive momentum as she approaches the Games.
Canada's Ski Jumping Team Composition
Strate will be joined on Canada's ski jumping team by three fellow Calgarians:
- Mackenzie Boyd-Clowes
- Natalie Eilers
- Nicole Maurer
While Strate brings Olympic experience from the 2022 Beijing Games, where she contributed to Canada's bronze medal in the inaugural mixed-team event, both Eilers and Maurer will be making their Olympic debuts in Milano-Cortina.
Beyond the Slopes: A Multifaceted Athlete
When not soaring through the air on ski jumps, Strate pursues diverse interests that showcase her versatility. She is a certified beekeeper and holds a degree from the Toronto Film School. Currently, she is expanding her skills through online graphic design courses at Yorkville University, demonstrating the well-rounded nature of modern Canadian athletes.
The women's individual normal hill competition begins Saturday at the Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium, where Strate aims to surpass her previous Olympic performance and potentially land Canada on the podium's top step. With her consistent competitive results and measured approach to Olympic pressure, Abigail Strate represents not just Calgary's hopes but Canada's best opportunity for ski jumping glory at the 2026 Winter Games.
