In the lead-up to the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, I reached out to six of Canada’s top winter athletes with a simple but meaningful request: permission to photograph them during their training. My goal was to look beyond polished competition images and capture the unseen hours—the discipline, focus, and sacrifice that define the Olympic journey. Without hesitation, each athlete agreed, generously allowing me to spend several hours with them in their training environments and granting rare access to their daily routines.

Kim Boutin and Steven Dubois welcomed me to the Maurice Richard Arena in Montreal, where their short track training unfolded in intense, purposeful bursts. From meticulous warm-ups to high-speed repetitions, the session revealed the resilience and discipline required to perform in a sport where every fraction of a second matters. Being on the ice with them offered an unfiltered look at the hard work that fuels their success.

At the Scarboro Figure Skating Club, Piper Gilles and Paul Poirier opened the doors to their ice dance training. Their time on the ice was a blend of athletic precision and artistic expression—repeating elements, refining timing, and building connection through constant collaboration. These sessions highlighted the courage it takes to push creative and technical limits, season after season.

At the Verdun Auditorium, Marie-Philip Poulin and Laura Stacey invited me to witness their dryland on on-ice training sessions. Away from the noise of competition, the focus was on strength, conditioning, and mental preparation. The intensity and commitment on display reflected not only their individual drive, but also the leadership and determination that have defined their careers.

It is incredibly special—and deeply humbling—to witness athletes who are literally the best in the world at what they do, quietly honing their craft through relentless discipline and determination, long before the spotlight arrives. In those unguarded moments, you see how the pursuit of excellence is built through repetition, sacrifice, and belief.

Through my camera, I aimed to document these moments as authentically as possible—capturing dedication in its rawest form. I am deeply grateful for the trust each athlete placed in me and for the openness with which they shared their preparation.

In just a few days from now, when these athletes step onto the Olympic stage in Italy, they will carry more than personal ambition with them. Canadians from coast to coast to coast will be cheering them on, inspired by their courage, resilience, and unwavering determination.

I sincerely hope you enjoy viewing these images as much as I enjoyed capturing them. Please join me in wishing Kim, Steven, Piper, Paul, Marie-Philip, and Laura—and all of Team Canada—the very best of luck as they take on the world in Milan. 🇨🇦