Jennifer Heil, the decorated Olympic skier who introduced Canada to its first medal at the 2006 Turin Olympics, has been named Chef de Mission for the upcoming Milano-Cortina 2026 Winter Games. The announcement made by the Canadian Olympic Committee on March 11, 2025, rekindles memories of her remarkable career as she is set to lead Canada’s athletes back under the Olympic spotlight.
"It’s truly a full circle," Heil shared during a video call from her home in Vancouver. Reflecting on her two-decade athletic history, she noted the powerful sense of pride she feels: "I was kind of like, ‘Holy, 20 years have passed!' It’s huge honour to be selected to help lead the Olympic team." The Chef de Mission serves as the principal ambassador for the country's team, offering guidance and support throughout the duration of the Games, and Heil promises to bring her unique experiences to the role.
Heil’s athletic resume is impressive; she made her Olympic debut at just 18 years old during the Salt Lake City 2002 Games. Following her gold medal performance at Turin, she secured silver at the 2010 Vancouver Games, solidifying her reputation on the world stage. Currently, she stands as a distinguished member of Canada’s Sports Hall of Fame, having been inducted in 2015, and boasts four world championships and 58 podium finishes on the World Cup circuit.
“Some leaders are chosen for their experience; others for their heart. Jenn brings both,” noted Eric Myles, Chief Sporting Officer of the Canadian Olympic Committee. He emphasized her role as mentor and her wealth of insights from her own athletic exploits. Heil co-founded the private initiative B2ten, which works to bridge gaps left by governmental funding for Canadian athletes, and has ventured deeply beyond her skiing career. Recently, she developed British Columbia's Safe Sport program and founded RYA Health, underscoring her commitment to supporting athletes both on and off the slopes.
Looking forward to the Milano-Cortina Games, Heil emphasizes the excitement of returning to Italy, albeit with cautionary notes from her past experiences. "The joyful people and amazing hospitality are unforgettable, but leading up to the Turin Games, we faced some organizational challenges," she admitted. Recalling how they had to prepare for uncertain logistics, she said, "We were told to have Plan A, B and C. We might experience similar circumstances this time around, considering the venues' current state."
With clusters of events spread across more than 22,000 square kilometers, the upcoming Winter Olympics will be among the most extensive ever. The complexity of managing the venues, especially with certain facilities still under construction, poses significant challenges. Heil pointed out, "One controllable piece is definitely the Olympic villages and their arrangement. That’s something we can tackle."
Despite the logistical hurdles, Heil remains optimistic about Canada’s chances, asserting the potential of the 2026 team to be among the strongest Canada has ever fielded. Nevertheless, challenges persist with the funding of Canadian sports. “Our national sporting organizations have not seen increases in core funding since 2005,” Heil lamented. "How can we expect to compete if we don’t invest? Some athletes are covering their own expenses. It is not sustainable."
She is steadfast about the necessity for public investment, noting, "If you’re running a business or an economy and you don’t invest long term, you can't be competitive.”
Scheduled from February 6 to 22, 2026, the Milano-Cortina Olympic Games hold extra significance for Heil, especially with the upcoming introduction of dual moguls, the event where she excelled. “I think it’s going to be a crowd favorite. I mean, how can it not be? You have people going head-to-head!” she beamed.
Heil aims to amplify the Canadian spirit encapsulated during the Games, pushing the message of resilience and determination, qualities she believes define Canadians. "We rise to challenges, we push boundaries, we do our best, but there is also joy," she said. That's the essence she's hoping to spread as the Chef de Mission.
"This is not just about medals," she added. "It's about the everyday moments leading up to these significant events. I want to share those with the athletes and Canadians. They deserve to see all the preparation and hard work behind the scenes."
With less than eleven months remaining until the opening ceremony, Heil is eager to instill not only skill but also the invaluable life experiences she gathered throughout her career. "I’ve learned so much—it’s about listening, guiding with purpose, and building community through sport," she concluded. "I'm excited to witness and support the growth of our athletes as they chase their Olympic dreams at Milano-Cortina."