From Olympic Gold to Chef de Mission, Leading Canada's Charge in Milan-Cortina 2026

From Olympic Gold to Chef de Mission

Jennifer Heil, Canada's golden girl of mogul skiing, is poised to lead the Canadian team back to the spotlight at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics. Two decades after capturing the country's first medal at the 2006 Turin Games, Heil will serve as the chef de mission, guiding and inspiring the next generation of Canadian Olympians.

"It's truly a full circle," Heil said, reflecting on her appointment. "Huge honour to be selected to help lead an Olympic team."

As chef de mission, Heil will act as an ambassador for the team, offering support and guidance both before and during the Games. Her experience as a champion athlete, coupled with her passion for sport, makes her an ideal mentor for Canada's aspiring Olympians.

"Jenn brings both experience and heart," said COC chief sporting officer Eric Myles. "A perfect mentor for Canadian athletes who will benefit greatly from all that she learned from her own inspiring journey."

Heil's journey began at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, where she made her Olympic debut at the age of 18. Her career soared with a gold medal in Turin and a silver in Vancouver, solidifying her place as a Canadian sporting icon.

Beyond the slopes, Heil has dedicated herself to building a better future for athletes. She co-founded B2ten, an initiative bridging the gap in government funding for Canadian athletes. She also spearheaded the development of B.C.'s Safe Sport program and founded RYA Health, a women's healthtech startup.

"I've been in developing and building sport all my life," said Heil. "It really did feel like those experiences were just making it the right time to take this on."

Heil's return to Italy brings back memories of her golden moment in Turin. While the country hasn't changed much, the upcoming Games present unique challenges. The sprawling nature of the event, with venues spread across multiple locations, requires careful planning and adaptation.

"One controllable piece is definitely understanding the nature of the Olympic villages and the venues," said Heil. "That's a challenge for the team and the team leaders which can absolutely be tackled."

Another concern is the lack of funding for Canadian athletes. Despite their success in Beijing, national sport organizations haven't received an increase in core funding since 2005.

"If you're running a business or an economy and you don't invest in it over the long term, you can't be competitive," said Heil. "Our athletes have responded to that challenge, but my concern is I'm not sure how much further we can push it."

Despite the challenges, Heil remains optimistic about Canada's potential for success in Milan-Cortina. With a strong team and unwavering dedication, she believes Canadian athletes can continue their legacy of excellence on the world stage.