Canada’s skeleton team for the upcoming Milano-Cortina Winter Olympics includes a mix of rookies and a seasoned competitor. Hallie Clarke, a 21-year-old rookie from Brighton, Ont., has already achieved international success by winning a world women’s championship in 2024 and a women’s world junior title in 2025. Her Olympic dream began at a young age while watching the 2010 Winter Games in Vancouver, where she was inspired by Canadian ice dance duo Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir.
Jane Channell, a 37-year-old veteran from North Vancouver, B.C., will be participating in her third Olympic Games. Channell’s interest in skeleton was sparked while watching the sport in the 2002 Olympic Games with her grandfather, who was initially skeptical but intrigued by the sport. Channell considers herself a product of the 2010 Olympics, having had the opportunity to train on the Olympic sliding track in Whistler, B.C.
Josip Brusic, 23, is the newest addition to the team, having taken up skeleton less than four years ago. Brusic expressed his excitement about becoming an Olympian, highlighting his joy and celebration upon receiving the news.
The upcoming skeleton events in Cortina d’Ampezzo, Italy, will take place from Feb. 12-15. Team Canada aims to add to its Olympic skeleton medal count, with the last medal being Jon Montgomery’s gold in Whistler in 2010.
The road to the Winter Olympics was not without controversy for the Canadian women’s skeleton team. Accusations were made by U.S. slider Katie Uhlaender against Canada’s head coach Joe Cecchini, alleging sabotage of her Olympic qualification. However, investigations by the International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation’s Integrity Unit cleared Canada of any wrongdoing, stating that the withdrawals of Canadian athletes were within the rules and for the athletes’ welfare.
Channell expressed her faith in the National Sport Organization (NSO) and the IBSF’s review process, emphasizing the team’s commitment to fair play and respect for the sport’s rules. The Canadian sliders, along with their coaches, are focused on their Olympic journey and have chosen to put the controversy behind them until after the Games.
Despite the challenges leading up to the Winter Olympics, Team Canada is prepared to compete in the skeleton events, with Clarke, Channell, and Brusic ready to represent their country on the world stage.