Charles Hamelin

Charles Hamelin, one of Canada’s most iconic short track speed skaters, entered the Vancouver 2010 Olympics with a bold prediction: “These will be my Games.” After battling with American rival Apolo Anton Ohno for world titles, Hamelin was determined to claim Olympic gold on home soil. Though it took until the final Friday of the Games, he delivered on his promise, winning two gold medals within 30 minutes – one in the 500m and another as part of Canada’s men’s relay team, becoming the first Canadian to win two golds in a single Olympic Games on home ice.

Over his renowned career, Hamelin accumulated five Olympic medals, including a gold in Sochi 2014 and a bronze in PyeongChang 2018. His determination didn’t stop there: after a thrilling victory at the 2018 World Championships, where he became the first Canadian in 20 years to be crowned overall World Champion, he continued his pursuit of Olympic glory. At Beijing 2022, he won his sixth Olympic medal and served as Canada’s Flag Bearer, completing a remarkable legacy in short track history, all while skating for his young daughter, Violette.