Maltais, Dubois to carry Canada's flag at closing ceremony in Italy
Speedskaters Valerie Maltais and Steven Dubois will carry the flag for Canada during Sunday's closing ceremony of the Milan Cortina Games, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced Saturday.
Maltais, appearing in her fifth Olympics, captured three medals in Italy.
The 35-year-old was part of the squad that defended its Olympic title in the women's team pursuit - alongside Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann - and also claimed individual bronzes in the 1,500-meter and 3,000-meter events.
Maltais now has five Olympic medals in her career, including one in short-track speedskating before she switched to long track.
For viewers in Canada only:
Valérie Maltais and Steven Dubois share what they were feeling when they found out they were selected to be the closing ceremony flag-bearers🥹🇨🇦 pic.twitter.com/zxi1GmVQw8
— CBC Olympics (@CBCOlympics) February 21, 2026
Dubois took home a thrilling gold in the men's 500-meter short-track final and helped capture silver for Canada in the mixed relay in Italy. The 28-year-old has five career Olympic medals.
"I didn't think I was going to get the honor right now, it's a surprise," Dubois said after receiving the news. "Thank you so much for the opportunity. I'm so happy."
The closing ceremony will be held at the Verona Arena.