Canada's Bobsled Team Faces Equipment Crisis Ahead of 2026 Olympics

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 16th 2026 at 11:25 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: Alberta, CANADA

Canada's Bobsled Team Faces Uphill Battle at 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics Due to Funding Crisis

The Canadian bobsled team is heading into the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo facing a significant, and frankly disheartening, challenge: they will be competing using sleds dating back to 2017. This isn't a matter of preference or tradition; it's a stark reality dictated by severe funding limitations that are impacting not just bobsled, but several Canadian Olympic sports.

The cost of modern bobsleds has skyrocketed in recent years, with a single new sled now exceeding $300,000 US. This price tag represents a substantial financial burden for the Canadian Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation, a program already grappling with pre-existing budgetary constraints. This situation forces a difficult choice - prioritize athlete development and coaching, or invest in crucial, performance-enhancing equipment. Currently, they are forced to choose the former, relying on aging technology.

"It's not ideal, but we're making it work," Kristen Rouwette, a seasoned Canadian bobsledder, stated in a recent interview with Sportsnet. Rouwette's pragmatic acceptance masks the underlying disadvantage. While acknowledging the talent within the team and the strength of the coaching staff, she implicitly admits that competing with outdated equipment puts them at a clear disadvantage.

Chris Levis, president of the Canadian Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation, emphasizes that this isn't a new problem, but a worsening one. "We've been trying to advocate for increased funding for quite some time, but it's been an uphill battle," he explains. The federation has been actively lobbying for greater financial support, highlighting the importance of maintaining Canada's competitive edge on the international stage, but their pleas have so far yielded limited results.

The implications of using older sleds are considerable. Modern bobsled technology focuses heavily on weight reduction, aerodynamic efficiency, and optimized steering. New sleds are built with advanced materials and designs that shave precious seconds off race times, providing a significant competitive advantage. While skillful piloting and athletic prowess remain crucial, the equipment plays a vital role, especially in a sport measured in hundredths of seconds.

The issue extends beyond bobsled. Canada's figure skating team is similarly struggling with funding shortages, as reported by Sporting News, impacting their ability to provide optimal training conditions and resources for their athletes. This paints a broader picture of systemic underfunding across multiple winter sports, raising questions about Canada's commitment to Olympic excellence. The ripple effect of insufficient funding isn't limited to equipment; it impacts training opportunities, access to facilities, and the ability to attract and retain top-tier coaching personnel.

Despite the challenges, the Canadian bobsled team remains determined to qualify multiple sleds for the 2026 Olympics. They are scheduled to compete in the World Cup circuit starting in November, providing a crucial platform to earn qualification spots and gain valuable race experience. However, even qualifying isn't enough. Entering the Olympics with older equipment severely limits their medal prospects.

The situation calls for a critical examination of how Canada funds its Olympic programs. While athlete dedication and coaching expertise are essential, they cannot overcome the handicap of outdated equipment when competing against nations that prioritize investment in athletic infrastructure. The current reality risks turning Canada from a traditional winter sports powerhouse into a middling competitor. A comprehensive review of funding allocations, with a focus on long-term sustainability and equitable distribution across all Olympic disciplines, is urgently needed. The 2026 Winter Olympics may serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of neglecting the crucial role of investment in athletic success.

The schedule for the 2026 Winter Olympics, as detailed on Sporting News, is packed with exciting events, but the potential for Canadian athletes to truly shine is diminished if they are consistently forced to compete at a disadvantage. Canada has a rich history of producing world-class Winter Olympians - athletes like Jon Montgomery and Kaillie Humphries have etched their names in Olympic history - but sustaining that legacy requires more than just talent; it demands adequate resources. The Canadian Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation, and other winter sport organizations, deserve a fair opportunity to compete on a level playing field.