Wherever the 2026 Winter Olympic Games are held, Kingston’s Genevieve De Wys wants to be there.
“That’s my aspiration as of right now,” said the 11 year old, a talented young athlete from the Kingston Striders Speed Skating Club. “Things might change as life goes on, but as of right now, that’s what I’m working towards, the 2026 Winter Games.”
De Wys has already enjoyed some success at the provincial level. Last January, she won a bronze medal at the Ontario championships in Newmarket. Her performance earned her a spot on the provincial team that competes this weekend, March 30-April 1, at the Eastern Canadian short track speed skating championships in Quebec City.
“It would be nice to get a medal,” De Wys says. “It will be a tremendous experience, and representing my province is a goal that I’ve already been able to achieve.”
De Wys has been skating for seven years. She started when she was four years old in the Can-Skate program.
“I always enjoyed skating and loved to go fast. My mom knew right away that speed skating, and not figure skating, was the route to go,” De Wys says. “Speed skating makes you think quickly on your feet. There’s a physical and mental aspect to the sport, which I love. Training is a key element to success, and I’m not afraid to work hard, both on and off the ice.”
You can bet that in September 2019, when the International Olympic Committee announces the host city for the 2026 Winter Olympic Games, De Wys will be watching and wondering if she’ll join the team that will represent Canada.