Canada sending 338 athletes to Summer Olympic Games in Paris

TORONTO — Canada's team of 338 athletes for the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris was introduced Tuesday.

The Games officially start with opening ceremonies July 26 and close Aug. 11.

Canadian athletes will be supported by 369 coaches and support staff from their national sport organizations, as well as the Canadian Olympic Committee's mission staff of 191, the COC said Tuesday in a statement.

"Each athlete has shown exceptional skills and unwavering determination to earn their place, and I have no doubt they will inspire our nation with their performances on the Olympic stage," said chef de mission and Olympic sprinter Bruny Surin.

"Canada, go chase your dreams in Paris.”

The bulk of Canada's medals are expected to come from the pool and the track, but there are also contenders in combat sports, rowing, canoe sprint, weightlifting three-on-three basketball and the new sport of breaking.

The team features swimmer Penny Oleksiak, who is Canada's most decorated Olympian with seven career medals, and sprinter Andre De Grasse close behind with six.

Six teams are headed to Paris, including the men's and women's basketball teams and the defending women's soccer champions.

Athletes were not able to have friends and family on site cheering them on three years ago in Tokyo because of the COVID-19 pandemic, but they will have that in Paris.

"These Games mark a return to the full scale of the Games we haven’t had the opportunity to experience in a long time," COC chief sport officer Eric Myles said. "From packed stadiums and having families and friends on hand, to being able to welcome the world to Canada Olympic House, Paris 2024 will be a moment to cherish for us all.”

The team features 38 athletes who already own Olympic medals and 142 with previous Summer Games experience.

Toronto skateboarder Fay De Fazio Ebert is the youngest Canadian team member at 14.

Dressage equestrienne Jill Irving of Moncton, Ont., is the oldest at 61.

Show jumper Mario Deslauriers, 59, of Venise-en-Quebec, Que., competed in the 1984 Summer Olympics in Los Angeles.

Ten athletes have Olympian parents, including men's basketball player RJ Barrett whose father Rowan played in 2000 in Sydney, Australia.

Siblings will compete in basketball, three-on-three basketball, judo, mountain biking and sailing in Paris.

The 338 athletes announced Tuesday included 22 who will serve as alternates in their sports.

Canada's team in Tokyo brought home 24 medals for the most at a non-boycotted Summer Games. Seven gold medals equalled the most at a non-boycotted Games.

Ontario leads all provinces in selections with 141 followed by Quebec (58), B.C. (45) and Alberta (34).

"Each of us has faced unique challenges and pushed through countless obstacles to reach this moment," said artistic swimmer Jacqueline Simoneau of Saint Laurent, Que. "Our journey has been one of resilience, dedication and unwavering commitment.

"I am eager for us to come together and showcase the strength, skill and spirit of our team to the world."

This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 16, 2024.

The Canadian Press