Tess Critchlow withdraws from 2026 Winter Games
Tess Dakota Critchlow (Image Credit: Facebook)
Big White snowboarder Tess Critchlow will miss the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano Cortina due to injury, the Canadian Olympic Committee and Canada Snowboard confirmed Monday.
Critchlow, 30, had been named to Canada’s snowboard cross team earlier this year, marking her third Olympic selection. She underwent knee surgery last September and had been training toward a return for the upcoming Games.
The Kelowna-area athlete made her Olympic debut in PyeongChang in 2018, finishing ninth in snowboard cross. She improved her performance at the 2022 Beijing Games, placing sixth, and also competed in the mixed snowboard cross alongside teammate Liam Moffatt.
Officials did not release specific details about the injury that led to her withdrawal, but Critchlow expressed disappointment at not being able to compete. Canada Snowboard said it remains committed to supporting her recovery and future competition goals.
The Canadian snowboard team will continue preparations for Milano Cortina without Critchlow, focusing on the athletes named to the final Olympic roster.