The 2025/2026 season was a defining chapter for the Olympic Oval — one that showcased our impact on the world stage and reinforced our role in building champions and shaping legacy.
This year, the Oval played a significant role in the Milano-Cortina Olympic Winter Games. Our athletes contributed to 25% of Canada’s total medal count, bringing our all-time total to 40 Olympic medals won by speed skating athletes who have trained full time within our facility. This milestone reflects the strength of the high-performance environment we continue to build every day.
Our impact extended beyond the podium. Members of the Oval team were proud to support the development of Olympic ice in Italy, contributing expertise to the creation of a temporary speed skating surface inside a convention centre using innovative, first-of-its-kind methods. As well, staff worked in support roles ranging from team liaison, to coaching, and equipment maintenance. This work highlights the global trust placed in our team and our continued influence on the sport worldwide.
On the international competition stage, the ISU World Cup #2 delivered exceptional results, including four Canadian podium finishes — two bronze, one silver, and one gold — alongside two junior world records and a senior world record performance in the Men’s 5,000m by American skater Casey Dawson. These moments reinforce the Oval’s reputation as a place where world-class performances happen.
We continue to play a central role in the global speed skating community as an ISU Centre of Excellence. Athletes and coaches from around the world choose the Oval as their training base, drawn by our collaborative coaching model, leading-edge technology, and commitment to excellence.
This year also marked the completion of Excellence in Motion, a remarkable gallery installation featuring ten historic Winter Olympic torches, donated in part by Usman Jutt. Each torch tells a story, connecting the legacy of the Olympic Games to the Oval’s ongoing contribution to sport and community.
Behind the scenes, we made steady progress toward the Olympic Oval Renovation Initiative. While timelines have shifted and we now look toward a potential 2028 construction start, we continue to work closely with partners and stakeholders to secure the funding needed to modernize and strengthen this iconic facility for future generations.
Closer to home, community engagement reached new heights. We welcomed nearly 600,000 visitors this season — setting records in attendance, admissions, and overall participation. The Oval remains a vibrant hub where high performance sport and public experience come together.
Our success this season would not have been possible without the support of our partners, sponsors, and advertisers. Their collaboration and shared belief in the Olympic Oval’s mission enable us to create meaningful experiences for athletes, visitors, and the broader community. Together, we are advancing high-performance sport, inspiring future generations, and strengthening the Oval’s legacy as a world-leading facility. We sincerely thank all of our supporters for their continued trust and commitment.
At the heart of everything we achieve are our people. Every day, our staff bring expertise, professionalism, and a commitment to high performance — continually refining and improving our services while maximizing a facility that continues to age. Their dedication ensures the Oval remains a leader in both sport and customer experience.
Together, we are not only building champions — we are defining what is possible.
Here’s to another extraordinary year and to what comes next.
Mark Messer
Director, Olympic Oval
