After experiencing a challenging start to his Winter Olympics journey in individual events, Canadian short-track speed skater Steven Dubois made a significant comeback on Wednesday. At the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics, the 28-year-old athlete secured Canada’s first gold medal in short-track by clinching victory in the men’s 500 metres.
This achievement not only represented Canada’s fourth gold medal of the Games but also marked the fourth consecutive day in which the country claimed a gold medal. With a total of 14 medals thus far, Canada has shown impressive prowess in short-track events, with five of its medals coming from this discipline alone.
In contrast, fellow Canadian skater William Dandjinou finished in fifth place, narrowly missing the podium for the third straight individual event. Despite leading the World Tour standings for a significant period over the past two seasons, Dandjinou has struggled to replicate his past successes.
Two athletes from the Netherlands, Melle van 't Wout and his brother Jens, contributed to their country’s medal tally by winning silver and bronze, respectively. The Dutch siblings have a unique background, having grown up in Bracebridge, Ontario, before relocating to the Netherlands after turning ten.
Prior to this triumphant race, Dubois played a pivotal role in assisting the Canadian mixed relay team to capture a silver medal on Day 4 of the Olympics. Nonetheless, he faced setbacks in individual events, being eliminated in the heats for the men’s 1,000 metres and finishing sixth in the men’s 1,500 metres. These outcomes have been particularly surprising, given Dubois’s stellar performance at the previous year’s world championships, where he secured four gold medals, including a notable victory in the 500 metres.
Moreover, during the 2022 Olympics, Dubois showcased his talent by winning three medals, with a bronze in the men’s 500 metres being one of his standout achievements. His recent gold medal victory at Milano Cortina not only serves as a personal redemption but also enhances Canada’s reputation in short-track speed skating on the global stage.
The significance of Dubois’s gold medal in the context of the Winter Games highlights the competitive nature of short-track speed skating, where athletes must demonstrate not only speed but also tactical acumen in navigating the challenging races. The emotional and competitive journey that Dubois has experienced in these Olympics encapsulates the spirit of resilience and determination that defines elite athletes.
