From established veterans to aspiring hopefuls, eight of Canada's most talented Olympic and Paralympic hopefuls begin their journey to Milano Cortina 2026 in earnest, committing to a path few take.

As training intensifies, the bonds and relationships that assist each athlete through injury, doubt, and endless repetition come to the fore.

The cacophony of media rises and falls, giving way to the individual training, and individual truths, that bind those pursuing the Olympic and Paralympic dream for Canada.

As the final heats, runs, and trials before Milano Cortina 2026 draw to a close, we learn the outcome of each of the eight athletes' plans and persistence.