Canadian snowboard best buddies Liam Brearley and Cam Spalding were on the verge of realising the lifelong dream of sharing the Olympic stage before injury spoiled the party.
As two of the best slopestyle snowboarders in the world, Brearley and Spalding would have been a triple threat for Canada at Milano Cortina 2026, along with three-time medallist Mark McMorris.
Months after his historic victory at the World Championships in Engadin, the 22-year-old Brearley suffered serious knee and ankle injuries in training in Austria in November 2025. Brearley’s hopes of reaching the 2026 Winter Olympics came to a crashing halt as he would require surgery and extensive rehabilitation just two months out from the global showpiece.
In a testament to the close bond they share, Spalding was there when Brearley got injured and provided moral support.
“He was with me when I got hurt and then that whole trip as well,” Brearley told CBC News.
“I talked to him a bunch about it. I’m stoked for him. I hope he does well. He better win for both of us.”
While the shared dream that was spawned nearly 14 years ago may be dashed, Spalding carries the hope of bringing back some silverware to soften the blow. The 20-year-old Spalding has been among the top snowboarders over the last two seasons, claiming the 2024/25 Crystal Globe in slopestyle.
In an interview with CBC News, Spalding spoke with admiration of Brearley and the endearing friendship that has blossomed since they were six years old.
“I love the guy. It’s pretty incredible when you get a guy like him to work with you all the time. We live together. We are roommates in pretty much everything,” Spalding said.
“I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else doing this. He’s such a good dude. And he helps me in boarding. We gel so well together outside of snowboarding… He’s the best. Grateful to have him.”