Paris Olympics 2024: Canada's Medal Prospects
The 2024 Paris Summer Olympics begin this Friday and we’ll be cheering on Canada’s athletes.
What will Canada’s medal haul be at the Paris Games? Canada is tabbed to win 20 medals.
Canada's 24-medal total in Tokyo was its highest ever, after taking home 22 medals in 2016 at the Rio de Janeiro Summer Games.
Let’s take a look at Canada's medal hopefuls, our medal prospects, and some interesting facts about the Paris Games.
A look at the Paris Olympics 2024
The Paris Olympics, from July 26 to August 11, mark a significant milestone as the French capital hosts the Games for the third time, following previous events in 1900 and 1924.
Paris is renowned for its rich history, stunning architecture, and vibrant culture, making it a stunning backdrop for this global sporting spectacle.
Innovations and sustainability
One of the standout features of the Paris Olympics is the commitment to sustainability and innovation.
The organizers have pledged to deliver a "green" Games, aiming to minimize the environmental impact through various initiatives such as utilizing existing venues, reducing carbon emissions, and promoting public transportation.
This approach aligns with the global push towards more sustainable sporting events and sets a positive example for future host cities.
Canada's history at the Summer Games
Canada has participated in every Summer Games since the modern Athens Games in 1896, except for the 1980 Moscow Olympics. Canada, the United States, and more than 60 countries boycotted the Moscow Summer Olympics to protest the 1979 Soviet invasion of Afghanistan.
Over the years, Canadian athletes have achieved remarkable success, winning a total of 322 medals, including 64 golds, 102 silvers, and 156 bronzes at the Summer Olympics.
Memorable moments
Canadian athletes have delivered numerous memorable moments at the Summer Games.
Greg Joy won a silver medal at the 1976 Montreal Summer Olympics in the high jump competition. It was raining and it was the final full day of competition at the Games and the conditions weren’t ideal. It was Canada’s first Olympic high jump medal since Duncan McNaughton’s gold medal at the 1932 Los Angeles Games.
Then there’s the iconic performance of sprinter Donovan Bailey, who won gold in the 100 metres at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and the incredible feats of swimmer Penny Oleksiak, who became Canada's most decorated Olympian at the 2016 Rio and 2020 Tokyo Games.
Canada's hopefuls for Paris 2024
As we approach the Paris Olympics, several Canadian athletes stand out as potential medal contenders. Let's take a closer look at some of the country's brightest prospects.
Andre De Grasse
Andre De Grasse is undoubtedly one of Canada's top medal hopefuls. The sprinter has consistently performed at the highest level, winning gold in the 200 metres and bronze in the 100 metres at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics.
De Grasse has earned a medal at every Games since his debut at Rio 2016 where he took home two bronze medals (100m, 4x100m).
Summer McIntosh
Swimming sensation Summer McIntosh, 17, will swim in four individual events and as many as three relays.
McIntosh, of Toronto, is the world-record holder in the 400-m. individual medley and is also very capable of hitting the podium in the 200-m. IM, 200-m. butterfly and 400-m. freestyle.
Damian Warner
Decathlete Damian Warner is another athlete to watch closely. Warner claimed gold in the decathlon at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, setting an Olympic record in the process.
Known for his athleticism and consistency across the 10 decathlon events, Warner has a great chance to defend his title in Paris and possibly set new records.
Maggie Mac Neil
Maggie Mac Neil, the butterfly specialist who won gold in the 100-meter butterfly at Tokyo 2020, is gearing up for another stellar performance.
Mac Neil’s goal is to become the first woman to repeat as Olympic champion in the 100-metre butterfly and to set a world record in the process.
Kylie Masse
Backstroke swimmer Kylie Masse has consistently been a top performer for Canada. With multiple Olympic medals to her name, including silvers and bronzes from Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016, Masse will be a strong contender in the backstroke events, aiming to upgrade her medals to gold.
The women's soccer team
The Canadian women's soccer team, which won gold at the Tokyo 2020 Olympics, will be defending their title in Paris. Led by captain Christine Sinclair, one of the greatest female soccer players of all time, the team is determined to maintain their dominance on the international stage.
Canada is expected to win a total of 22 medals, including six gold, at the Paris Summer Olympics, which open on July 26.
Aiming for a top 10 finish
Canada's goal is to finish in the top ten of the medal standings. We’re sending 338 athletes to the 2024 Olympic Games. Achieving this goal would mark a significant milestone and further elevate Canada's status in the world of sports.
The United States and China are expected to finish 1-2 in the gold and the overall medal counts at the Paris Olympics.
Interesting facts about the Paris Games
The Paris Olympics 2024 are set to offer several unique and exciting features, making this edition of the Games truly special.
Iconic venues
The Games will be held in some of Paris's most iconic venues, including the Champs-Élysées, which will host the cycling events, and the Grand Palais, which will be the venue for fencing. The opening ceremony will take place along the River Seine, providing a stunning backdrop for the event.
Gender equality
For the first time in Olympic history, the Paris Games will feature equal representation of male and female athletes. This significant step towards gender equality reflects the broader efforts to promote inclusivity and diversity in sports.
New sports
Paris 2024 will introduce several new sports, including breakdancing, which will make its Olympic debut. This addition aims to engage a younger audience and highlight the evolving nature of the Games.
Surfing and skateboarding return for their second Games along with sport climbing and 3x3 basketball.
Emphasis on accessibility
The organizers are placing a strong emphasis on accessibility, ensuring that the Games are inclusive for all athletes and spectators. This includes making venues accessible for people with disabilities and providing various services to enhance the overall experience.
As we await the Paris Games’ opening ceremony, let's celebrate the achievements of our Canadian athletes and cheer them on.
The Paris Olympics are not just a celebration of sports but a testament to the spirit of unity, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence that defines the Olympic movement.
