Over the past 17 days, we have watched world\u2011class athletes represent their countries with heart, determination and extraordinary skill at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Italy. Like many of you, I followed their performances closely, and I felt tremendous pride knowing how many of these remarkable athletes are part of the University of Calgary community.\u00a0<\/p>\n
We are fortunate to count several Olympians among our students, alumni and the international athletes who train year\u2011round at the Olympic Oval<\/a>. Their dedication, passion and perseverance embody the spirit of UCalgary. I want to offer my heartfelt congratulations to each of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019d like to personally congratulate Isabelle Weidemann<\/a>, BSc\u201923, who won gold in speed skating.\u00a0<\/p>\n And kudos to Dinos Curling\u2019s skill development coach Brett Gallant<\/a>, who earned an Olympic gold medal in curling on the same weekend that Dinos Men\u2019s Curling took home the U SPORTS Championship.\u00a0<\/p>\n I also want to acknowledge the contributions of our Olympic Oval<\/a> director, Mark Messer, who brought his world\u2011class ice-making talents to Milano.\u00a0<\/p>\n Another standout moment was watching Brianne Jenner<\/a>, MPP\u201917, help secure silver for Team Canada in a gripping, hard\u2011fought hockey game that was watched by so many Canadians. Her leadership and determination continue to inspire all of us.\u00a0<\/p>\n