Olympics

Canadian women whip Mexico 83-53, net Olympic pre-qualifying basketball tourney crown

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Sunday, Aug. 23, 2026

GUADALAJARA - Kayla Alexander had 14 points and four rebounds, Agot Makeer scored 13 points, and Canada defeated host Mexico 83-53 in the title game at the FIBA Women's Olympic pre-qualifying basketball tournament on Sunday.

The Canadians, who entered the final with a 4-0 record — they beat New Zealand 86-71 in the semifinals — led 26-11 after the first quarter against Mexico and 47-26 at halftime.

Canada's biggest run in the game came in the opening three minutes of the third quarter when they outscored the hosts 11-0 to grab a 58-26 lead. Mexico responded with a 9-0 run later in the quarter, getting to within 58-35.

Canada had 11 offensive rebounds and 38 defensive rebounds for a total of 49, while Mexico had nine and 21 for a total of 30.

Advertise With Us

Weather

Sep. 6, 12 AM: 18°c Light rain with wind Sep. 6, 6 AM: 17°c Windy

Brandon MB

26°C, Sunny

Full Forecast

Olympics

Gonzaga's Yvonne Ejim speaks with members of the media during the West Coast Conference Women's NCAA college basketball media day on Oct. 16, 2024, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/John Locher)

Canada beats host Mexico at FIBA Olympic women’s basketball pre-qualifier

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada beats host Mexico at FIBA Olympic women’s basketball pre-qualifier

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

GUADALAJARA - The Canadian women's basketball team closed the group phase of the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament with a 70-64 win over Mexico on Thursday night.

Yvonne Ejim had 19 points to help Canada improve to 3-0. Syla Swords chipped in with 17 points.

Mariana Valenzuela had 17 points for Mexico.

Canada will play New Zealand in the semifinals on Saturday while the host team will play Brazil. The final is set for Sunday.

Read

Thursday, Aug. 20, 2026

Olympics

Canada dumps the Philippines 85-38 at FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canada dumps the Philippines 85-38 at FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

GUADALAJARA - The Canadian senior women's basketball team crushed the Philippines 85-38 on Wednesday at the FIBA Olympic Pre-Qualifying Tournament.

Yvonne Ejim scored 19 points for Canada and Syla Swords added 15.

Canada stormed out to a 23-4 lead at Arena Astros and led 46-11 at halftime.

The eight-team qualifier continues through Sunday.

Read

Wednesday, Aug. 19, 2026

Olympics

Canada's players celebrate and run to their injured teammate after winning the Flag Football World Championship women's final game between Canada and USA in Duesseldorf, Germany, Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Canadian men to join world-champion women when flag football makes Olympic debut

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian men to join world-champion women when flag football makes Olympic debut

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026

DUESSELDORF - Canada's women's flag football team beat the United States for the world title, while men's squad booked its place at the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics on Sunday at the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championships.

The women, who had already qualified with a 20-6 semifinal win over top-ranked Mexico on Saturday, capped a perfect tournament with a 27-20 win over the Americans in the final.

Frédérique Morneau had three touchdown catches for Canada. Quarterback Sara Parker hit Caroline Moquin-Joubert for Canada's other score.

Parker, who had 23 total touchdown passes, was named the most valuable player of the women's tournament.

Read

Sunday, Aug. 16, 2026

Olympics

Canada's quarterback Sara Parker throws the ball during the Flag Football World Championship women's match between Canada and Panama in Duesseldorf, Germany, Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Canadian women punch ticket to 2028 Olympic Games in flag football

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Preview

Canadian women punch ticket to 2028 Olympic Games in flag football

The Canadian Press 3 minute read Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026

DUESSELDORF - The Canadian women's flag football team is bound for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles.

Canada defeated Mexico 20-6 in an International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world championship semifinal Saturday.

"I am so proud of this team," said Canadian women's team head coach Rachel Lessard in a statement. "Qualifying for the 2028 Olympic Games is a reflection of the discipline, resilience and trust this team has built over the course of this process, and they've earned every bit of this opportunity at the 2026 IFAF Flag Football world championships.

"Canadian flag football is on the rise, and we're honoured to officially be able to help carry that momentum to the 2028 Olympic Games."

Read

Saturday, Aug. 15, 2026

Olympics

Canada women unbeaten, men fall to Japan ahead of flag football quarterfinals

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Preview

Canada women unbeaten, men fall to Japan ahead of flag football quarterfinals

The Canadian Press 2 minute read Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

DÜSSELDORF - Canada's women completed a perfect preliminary round at the world flag football championships Friday, rallying for a 34-20 victory over Japan to improve to 3-0.

Quarterback Sara Parker threw four touchdown passes, including two to Caroline Moquin-Joubert.

Alexane Fournier and Marianne Quirion also caught TD passes, while Frédérique Morneau scored a rushing touchdown as Canada erased a 20-13 halftime deficit with 21 unanswered points in the second half.

Canada will face Austria in Saturday's quarterfinals. A victory would send the Canadians into a semifinal against the winner of Mexico and Spain.

Read

Friday, Aug. 14, 2026

Olympics

Canada's women's team poses during the media day ahead of the Flag Football World Championships, the sports first Olympic qualifier for LA28, in Duesseldorf, Germany, Wednesday, Aug. 12, 2026. (AP Photo/Martin Meissner)

Canadian flag football teams perfect on opening day of world championships

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Preview

Canadian flag football teams perfect on opening day of world championships

The Canadian Press 1 minute read Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

DÜSSELDORF - Quarterback Sara Parker put on a passing clinic as Canada's women opened the world flag football championships with two wins Thursday.

Parker completed 29 of 39 passes and threw four touchdowns in a 27-14 victory over Panama, including three to Caroline Moquin-Joubert.

Parker then completed 24 of 32 passes with four more touchdowns as Canada rolled past Brazil 36-6. Marianne Quirion and Frédérique Morneau each scored two touchdowns.

Canada's men opened with a 26-6 win over Austria. Michael O'Connor completed 19 of 24 passes for four touchdowns. The men improved to 2-0 after being awarded a victory over Nigeria, which withdrew because of visa issues.

Read

Thursday, Aug. 13, 2026

Learn more about Advertising solutions

Olympics

Former CFL player Marc-Antoine Dequoy, now with Canada's national men's flag football team is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Football Canada (Mandatory Credit)

Former CFL player Dequoy back playing football with Canadian men’s flag team

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Former CFL player Dequoy back playing football with Canadian men’s flag team

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Roughly six months into retirement, Marc-Antoine Dequoy is back competing for a football championship.

The 31-year-old safety is with the Canadian men's team that's in Duesseldorf, Germany, for the International Federation of American Football (IFAF) world flag football championship. Dequoy announced his CFL retirement in February following five seasons with the Montreal Alouettes.

"I was just done playing football physically," Dequoy said. "When you sign a CFL contract, you sign up for 18 games and I knew my body wouldn't let me make that commitment of a full off-season, training camp and 18 games.

"For me, it was about being true to the sport. If there's any hesitation, the risks increase two, three times. I've been playing at one speed all of my life until the end and that's when I realized it was probably time."

Read

Tuesday, Aug. 11, 2026

Olympics

Canadian national women's flag football defensive back Sabrina Gervais is shown in this undated handout photo. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Handout — Football Canada (Mandatory Credit)

Veteran Gervais leads Canada into world championship with Olympic bid on the line

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Veteran Gervais leads Canada into world championship with Olympic bid on the line

Dan Ralph, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

She's a mom, health-care professional and longtime flag football player. Sabrina Gervais now hopes to add Olympian to her life resume.

The veteran defensive back leads Canada's national women's team into the 2026 world championship. Not only will the Canadians chase a gold medal but also a berth into the 2028 Los Angeles Games, where flag football makes its Olympic debut.

"It would be realizing a dream I would've never dreamt before," Gervais said. "I never thought about (Olympics), but now that I'm still in the loop, I think the chances are good if I can stay healthy and continue to be a leader for my team.

"That would definitely be a dream."

Read

Monday, Aug. 10, 2026

Olympics

Canadian national long-track speedskating team members train on the ice at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, Alta., Friday, June 11, 2021. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Jeff McIntosh

Federal, Alberta governments invest $52 million in Calgary Olympic Oval upgrade

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Federal, Alberta governments invest $52 million in Calgary Olympic Oval upgrade

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Monday, Jul. 27, 2026

CALGARY - Calgary's Olympic Oval is getting an upgrade.

The federal and provincial governments are equally splitting a $52-million contribution to the renewal of the speedskating facility built for the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary.

The federal government also announced Monday an additional $7.67 million for ski racing and snowboard facilities in Quebec, Yukon, Alberta and B.C., as well as a $3-million top-up to the Athletic Assistance Program, which provides Canada's high-performance athletes monthly cheques to help pay their bills.

"This is not just a good day for Canadian sport or speedskating in Canada. This is a good era of Canadian sport because we're making the largest investments our country has ever seen in sport from the playground to the podium, from the people and the places and everything in between that sport requires to continue being Canada's greatest nation-building project," Secretary of State for Sport Adam van Koeverden said Monday in Calgary.

Read

Monday, Jul. 27, 2026

Olympics

Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Mike Trout looks on following a baseball game against the Texas Rangers, Wednesday, July 8, 2026, in Arlington, Texas. (AP Photo/Julio Cortez)

Discussions for major leaguers in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in early stages

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 4 minute read Preview

Discussions for major leaguers in 2028 Los Angeles Olympics in early stages

Ronald Blum, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026

PHILADELPHIA (AP) — Discussions for major leaguers to play in the 2028 Los Angeles Olympics baseball tournament remain in the early stages, with players used to top hotels wanting to be assured of accommodations.

Major League Baseball has envisioned an extended 11-day All-Star break. The last regular-season games before the break would be on July 9, followed by the All-Star Game on July 11, likely at San Francisco, and the Olympic tournament at Dodger Stadium from July 13-19. The season would resume July 21.

“In general our players want to play in the Olympics. They’re patriotic, and for them it’s a special opportunity, and we want them to have that opportunity,” union head Bruce Meyer said Tuesday ahead of the All-Star Game. “Having said that, we want to make sure that they have things like travel and accommodations, and things that they deserve based on who they are.”

Five entities are involved in the negotiations: Major League Baseball, the players' association, the International Olympic Committee, the LA28 local organizing committee and the World Baseball Softball Confederation.

Read

Tuesday, Jul. 14, 2026

Olympics

Montreal Olympic Games left a legacy that’s still being felt, 50 years later

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Montreal Olympic Games left a legacy that’s still being felt, 50 years later

Frédéric Daigle, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Monday, Jul. 13, 2026

MONTREAL - When reflecting on the 1976 Montreal Games, it's hard not to think of the controversies surrounding the Olympic Stadium, whose problem-plagued construction and ballooning costs earned it the nickname the "Big Owe."

But 50 years later, key players in the Olympic movement say the first Games on Canadian soil had a lasting impact on Quebec's sporting culture that went far beyond those negative headlines.

"These Games left a great legacy," said Thomas Bach, who is the honorary president of the International Olympic Committee and a 1976 gold medallist in the team foil fencing event.

"I remember the controversies at the time, like with all the Games to follow elsewhere," he said by video from Lausanne, Switzerland in June.

Read

Monday, Jul. 13, 2026

Olympics

FILE - United States' Hannah Bilka (23) is in action during a women's ice hockey gold medal game between the United States and Canada at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy, Feb. 19, 2026. (AP Photo/Hassan Ammar, File)

Women’s hockey at the 2030 Olympics is set to feature 25-player rosters, matching the men

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 2 minute read Preview

Women’s hockey at the 2030 Olympics is set to feature 25-player rosters, matching the men

Stephen Whyno, The Associated Press 2 minute read Thursday, Jul. 9, 2026

Women’s hockey rosters for the 2030 Olympics in the French Alps are expected to include 25 players, up from 23.

The change was quietly included in the event program released by organizers earlier this week. Men’s hockey has had 25-player rosters for each of the past four Olympics going back to Sochi in 2014.

It is being billed as the first Winter Games with gender balance, with 1,525 women and 1,521 men making up the 3,046 athletes across 126 events. That number is 300 men to 250 women in hockey because there are 10 teams in the women’s tournament, compared to 12 on the men’s side.

Women's hockey, which debuted at the Olympics in Nagano in 1998 at the same time NHL players began taking part on the men's side, is experiencing a time of growth. The PWHL is expanding to 12 teams for its fourth season after being at eight in its third and six during its first two.

Read

Thursday, Jul. 9, 2026

Olympics

Les Supremes perform in the synchro competition at the Canadian National Skating Championships in Laval, Que., on Friday, Jan. 17, 2025. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Christinne Muschi

Montreal’s Les Supremes help usher synchro skating into Olympic Games

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Preview

Montreal’s Les Supremes help usher synchro skating into Olympic Games

Donna Spencer, The Canadian Press 5 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Canada had a hand in pushing synchronized figure skating over the finish line to Olympic inclusion.

The coach of one of the most successful synchro teams in the world was asked on short notice by the International Skating Union to put together a team for a demonstration performance in April's world synchro championships in Salzburg, Austria, in front of International Olympic Committee members.

"They're like 'we're making a pilot project for the IOC, to push and make sure that this time we get in,'" Marilyn Langlois recounted.

Langlois coaches Montreal's Les Supremes, who have won four world championships in the last five years in a competition that features teams of 16 skaters. Olympic teams will consist of only nine skaters (the event is called "synchro9") in 2030.

Read

Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Olympics

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, centre, stands with United States Secretary of State, Marco Rubio, left, and Director of the FBI, Kash Patel ahead of the World Cup Group K soccer match between Colombia and Portugal in Miami Gardens, Fla., Saturday, June 27, 2026. (AP Photo/Rebecca Blackwell)

FIFA’s Infantino targeted by complaint to Olympic ethics body after Trump lobbying on Balogun ban

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Preview

FIFA’s Infantino targeted by complaint to Olympic ethics body after Trump lobbying on Balogun ban

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 3 minute read Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

GENEVA (AP) — FIFA’s president Gianni Infantino is being referred to Olympic ethics investigators for a possible breach of political neutrality, a human rights group said Wednesday, after U.S. President Donald Trump helped block a World Cup player’s ban.

Trump took credit Monday for FIFA’s decision — unprecedented in modern World Cup history — to let United States forward Folarin Balogun play Monday against Belgium despite getting a red card in the team’s previous game. A Belgium team clearly fired up by the furor won 4-1 in Seattle.

The IOC cites neutrality among “fundamental principles of Olympism” for sports bodies like FIFA, and has jurisdiction over Infantino since he joined its exclusive group of 100-plus invited members in 2020.

“FairSquare will file a complaint to the International Olympic Committee (IOC) regarding FIFA President Gianni Infantino’s repeated breach of political neutrality rules,” the London-based sports and human rights NGO said in a statement Wednesday.

Read

Wednesday, Jul. 8, 2026

Olympics

Winter Olympics adds synchro skating and freeride for 2030 in French Alps. Nordic combined dropped

Graham Dunbar, The Associated Press 4 minute read Tuesday, Jul. 7, 2026

GENEVA (AP) — Bienvenue to the Winter Olympics, synchronized figure skating and freeride skiing.

Au revoir, Nordic combined.

The International Olympic Committee on Tuesday dropped Nordic combined — one of the original Winter Olympic sports — from the program to the 2030 Games in the French Alps and added two new disciplines. It also gave a reprieve to snowboard parallel giant slalom by keeping it on the program.

The changes should mean there are more female than male athletes at the next Winter Games.

September 5, 2026

Notification Settings