Approximately 100 young athletes gathered in Red Deer, Alberta, on March 15, 2026, to test their speed and strength at an RBC Training Ground qualifying event. This national talent search identifies people between the ages of 14 and 25 who have the physical potential to compete for Team Canada in the Olympic Games.
Participants were evaluated on four specific physical markers, including their vertical jump to measure power and their sprint speed. They also completed an isometric mid-thigh pull to test their strength and a multi-stage shuttle run to measure their endurance levels.
Former Olympic cyclist Kirsti Lay attended the session to mentor the local athletes and share how she transitioned from speedskating to cycling during her own career. The program, which is now in its 11th season, is a partnership between the Canadian Olympic Committee and various sport organizations, including Football Canada.
Experts from the Canadian Olympic and Paralympic Sport Institute Network use the data from these tests to find hidden talent in athletes who may not have considered high-performance sports before. The initiative serves as a direct scouting pipeline to help the next generation of Canadians reach the international stage.
