MILAN, Italy — As the 2026 Winter Olympics unfold in Milano-Cortina, one name has dominated the conversation at the Milan Ice Skating Arena: William Dandjinou. The 24-year-old Montreal native, already a two-time Crystal Globe winner, has officially transitioned from a rising star to a central figure in Canada’s quest for podium dominance.
Standing at an “unusually tall” 6-foot-3, Dandjinou has spent the opening week of the Games proving that his height—once considered a potential disadvantage in the tight, chaotic turns of short-track—is actually his greatest weapon. On 10 February 2026, Dandjinou anchored the Canadian squad to a silver medal in the mixed team relay, marking Canada’s first silver of these Games and its third medal overall.
The “Eagle” Lands in Milan
Dandjinou, known for his signature “eagle” celebration where he flaps his arms after a victory, entered these Games with the bold ambition of contending for five gold medals. While the mixed relay resulted in a hard-fought silver behind host nation Italy, Dandjinou’s performance confirmed his status as Canada’s most dangerous skater. Alongside teammates Kim Boutin, Courtney Sarault, and Félix Roussel, Dandjinou helped navigate a chaotic final to secure the podium spot with a time of 2:39.258.
“He breaks the mold of what a short-track skater should look like,” noted a recent Team Canada profile. His reach and power have allowed him to dominate the World Cup circuit, where he reached the podium 19 times in his last 30 races leading up to the Olympics.
A Legacy in the Making
The son of an Ivorian immigrant who worked as an ice maker in Quebec, Dandjinou’s journey to the Olympic stage is being hailed as one of the most inspiring stories of the 2026 Games. Despite the immense pressure of his Olympic debut, he has remained grounded, recently telling reporters he is focused on using his platform to inspire the next generation of Canadian skaters.
Key Highlights of Dandjinou’s 2026 Games (to date):
- Silver Medal: Mixed Team Relay (10 February 2026).
- Physical Edge: At 6-foot-3, he is the tallest skater in the men’s field, utilizing a massive stride length to overtake opponents on the outside.
- Upcoming Events: Dandjinou remains a heavy favourite in the individual 1,000m and 1,500m events scheduled for later this week.
As the competition continues, all eyes remain on the Montrealer to see if he can add individual gold to his relay silver. With his “eagle” wings ready to spread, William Dandjinou is not just participating in his first Olympics—he is redefining the sport for Canada.