Eliot Grondin Aims for Olympic Glory in Milan Cortina Games

Canadian snowboard cross racer Eliot Grondin is setting his sights on completing his Olympic medal collection at the 2026 Milan Cortina Games. With extensive experience from two previous Olympic competitions, Grondin has honed his skills in a sport where competitors race down icy courses at speeds exceeding 80 km/h. As he prepares for the upcoming Games, Grondin emphasizes the importance of controlling what he can in a sport filled with unpredictability.

“Preparation is all-important,” he stated. “There are a lot of things you can’t control. So you’ve just got to become good at controlling what you can.”

The 24-year-old from Sainte-Marie, Quebec possesses a unique intuition for the course. “I could probably go down the course almost with my eyes closed,” he remarked confidently. Grondin’s ability to sense minute changes in speed allows him to adapt quickly, a skill that has proven advantageous throughout his career.

While known for his strong starts, Grondin prioritizes other aspects of his performance. “I could work on the start, but I feel like there are other areas where I can gain more ground,” he explained. His focus on overall improvement aligns with the guidance of Maelle Ricker, a gold medalist from the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and co-head coach of the Canadian snowboard cross team. Ricker noted that Grondin possesses the physical attributes and competitive mindset necessary for success.

“He’s a machine, like a beast physically,” she said. “He has really good touch on the snow, and when he’s in the starting gate, there’s only one thing on his mind.”

Grondin’s Olympic journey began at a young age. In 2018, he made his debut in Pyeongchang, where he finished 36th, becoming the youngest male competitor at the Olympics. He rebounded in 2022, winning a silver medal in snowboard cross and later claiming bronze in the inaugural mixed team event with teammate Meryeta O’Dine.

Now, Grondin is the reigning world champion in snowboard cross, having secured back-to-back Crystal Globes and 16 World Cup podium finishes throughout the 2024-25 season. Despite his achievements, recent World Cup competitions have presented challenges. In December, Grondin placed seventh in Cervinia, Italy, and finished tenth in the mixed team event.

Reflecting on his performance, he acknowledged the difficulties posed by the track, noting that many top competitors struggled as well. “Seventh place isn’t where I wanted to be, but I can take positives from it,” he said, noting that he maintained consistent times.

Following the event in Italy, Grondin trained in Australia and Japan before competing in Dongbeiya, China. There, he achieved second and fifth-place finishes on January 17 and January 18. The logistics of travel remain a challenge, particularly when it comes to managing his equipment. Grondin travels with approximately 20 snowboards, carefully selected based on expected weather and snow conditions.

“They’re all built the same, but the difference is the base material and the grind on the base,” he explained. This meticulous preparation allows him to choose the best board for each race, ensuring he is ready for varying conditions.

As Grondin gears up for the new course in Livigno, he is excited about the opportunity to compete on unfamiliar terrain. “I like new venues,” he said. “I feel I can adapt pretty quickly to new races.”

The support of family and friends will be a motivating factor at the 2026 Games, making the experience even more meaningful. “I love doing it,” he said of his sport. “Having the opportunity to live what I love, travel the world, and train is something I’m very fortunate to enjoy.”

As Grondin prepares for the upcoming Olympic events, his determination to complete his medal collection remains strong, promising an exciting competition ahead.