Canadian Olympians Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson pose with the Canadian flag ahead of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony.
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Canada Names Flag Bearers for the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony

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Canada has officially revealed the two athletes who will carry the nation’s flag during the Opening Ceremony of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. The honour goes to freestyle skiing icons Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson, two of the country’s most decorated Winter Olympians.

The announcement was widely expected, with both athletes enjoying remarkable Olympic careers spanning more than a decade. According to CBC Olympics, “They will march with their freestyle skiing and snowboard teammates in Livigno, with the parade of nations also being held in Milan’s San Siro Stadium and the mountain clusters of Cortina and Predazzo simultaneously in the most spread out Games in Olympic history.” The unique format means the Opening Ceremony will take place across several venues, making Milano Cortina 2026 unlike any Winter Olympics before it.

Canadian Olympic skier Marielle Thompson celebrates after winning in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, while holding the traditional Swiss cowbell trophy.
Marielle Thompson celebrates her ski cross victory in Veysonnaz, Switzerland, with the traditional Swiss cowbell trophy. | Image: Supplied / Alpine Canada

For Mikaël Kingsbury, the honour adds another important moment to an amazing career. The 33-year-old is known as the best moguls skier ever and one of the most successful freestyle skiers in the sport’s history. He won silver medals at Sochi 2014 and Beijing 2022, before winning gold at PyeongChang 2018. Milano Cortina 2026 is expected to be his last Olympic Games, making the chance to lead Team Canada even more special.

Marielle Thompson has had an equally impressive Olympic career over the last three Winter Games. The 33-year-old won gold in the women’s ski cross at Sochi 2014 and added a silver medal at Beijing 2022. Although she just missed winning a medal at PyeongChang 2018, her performance was even more impressive, as she competed only 4 months after surgery to repair a torn ACL and MCL, showing the strength and determination that have shaped her career.

Canadian freestyle skier Mikaël Kingsbury holds the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics mascot after winning silver in the men's moguls competition.
Mikaël Kingsbury celebrates his silver medal in the men’s moguls event at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, holding the official Games mascot. | Image: Canadian Olympic Committee

Reflecting on being selected as one of Canada’s flag bearers, Thompson said, “Being asked to carry the Canadian flag is one of the highest honours in my Olympic journey. There are so many amazing athletes to select from, so to be chosen is really kind of unbelievable, but just very special. Mikaël and I have been to each Olympics together, and we’re the same age, so we’ve kind of come up together in this sport. I think we’ve definitely got some camaraderie, and it’s very cool to be sharing this honour together.”

With two Olympic champions leading the delegation, Team Canada will enter Milano Cortina 2026 represented by athletes who have consistently delivered on the world’s biggest stage. Their shared experience, success and leadership make them fitting choices to carry the Maple Leaf as Canada begins another Winter Olympic campaign.

Fans won’t have to wait long to watch the historic moment unfold. Live coverage of the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026 Opening Ceremony begins at 10:30 a.m. PT / 1:30 p.m. ET and will be available on CBC, CBC Gem, CBC News Network, Sportsnet and TSN.

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Seiko Celebrates 60 Years Of Dive Watches With A Deep-Ocean Masterpiece

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Seiko is exploring its rich heritage with a timepiece that truly makes waves. In 2025, the brand will celebrate 60 years of mastering the deep blue with the Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary collection. But forget any old anniversary release; it’s a flexing its muscles, creating an deep-ocean masterpiece designed to do everything from impressing divers to making your wrist the center of attention.

Finding a competitor to the Seiko MarineMaster Professional (ref. SLA081J) requires a look into the upper price range. Watches such as the Omega Seamaster Diver 300M, Tudor Pelagos FXD, and Breitling Superocean Heritage offer strong performance, yet they cannot match the MarineMaster’s specifications and durability. Consider the Oris Aquis GMT and Longines HydroConquest for a blend of design and performance. Nevertheless, the closest challenger in performance, albeit at a much higher cost, is the legendary Rolex Deepsea Sea-Dweller (USD $16,500+), highlighting just how impressive Seiko’s latest creation is.

However, this is no ordinary release. The Seiko MarineMaster Professional is a limited edition, with only 600 pieces available globally, making it exceptionally rare. If you seek something that combines style and exclusivity, you’ll need to act fast before this one slips away.

Seiko Mairnemaster Professional SLA081J | Image: Seiko

Specification:

  • Brand: Seiko
  • Model: Mairnemaster Professional
  • Reference: SLA081J
  • Diameter: 45.4 mm
  • Thickness: 16 mm
  • Material: Stainless Steel
  • Dial Color: Blue Gradient Dial
  • Calibre: 8L45
  • Power Reserve: 72 Hours
  • Water Resistance: 60 Bar ( 600 metres, 2000 feet )
  • Price: USD $4,600

Featuring a 45.4mm stainless steel case, this watch is designed to be eye-catching and resilient against ocean challenges. Now, let’s discuss the blue gradient dial—it transitions beautifully, mimicking a stunning sunset over the sea, shifting from a rich ocean blue to lighter shades. The markers and hands ensure exceptional legibility, even at depths of 600 meters. This isn’t merely a watch; it’s a true masterpiece.

Next, we have the 8L45 movement, which is the key feature—Seiko’s proprietary automatic movement that offers an impressive 72-hour power reserve. Feel free to wear it all weekend, explore the ocean’s depths, and it will still be running smoothly when Monday morning arrives. Now that’s what I call reliability!

Seiko focuses not only on performance but also on sustainability. This anniversary collection proves that eco-friendly materials can maintain top-notch quality. Indeed, this watch is just as durable inside as it is outside, all while having a minimal environmental impact. Wear it with pride, knowing you’re supporting a noble cause, while also showcasing a watch that shines in every dive bar.

Seiko Mairnemaster Professional SLA081J | Image: Seiko

For collectors, divers, and watch enthusiasts, the Seiko Prospex 60th Anniversary collection transcends a mere timepiece. It serves as a time capsule, allowing you to don a segment of Seiko’s remarkable dive heritage while benefiting from modern innovations that ensure its relevance for years ahead. Whether you’re surfing or socializing with friends, the MarineMaster Professional is the perfect companion.

If you want a timepiece that conveys, “I’m adventurous yet stylish,” the MarineMaster Professional is just what you need. Seiko is marking 60 years of excellence, and these commemorative models are set to flow into the future. Here’s to six decades of achievements and an exciting journey ahead.

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