EDMONTON — The Milano Cortina Olympics open in Italy on February 6, followed by the Paralympic Winter Games one month later. University of Alberta experts are available to provide insight and analysis across the competition:
U of A curling rink vital to Team Canada’s Olympic preparations
The University of Alberta’s Saville Centre is home to Curling Canada’s national training ice, where both the Canadian women’s and men’s teams prepared for the Olympics. Ensuring that ice meets world-class standards is the job of Cody Hall, the Saville’s new head ice technician. Hall can speak to the critical role elite ice conditions play for Canada’s Olympic curlers and U of A varsity teams — and to his own goal of reaching the Olympics as an ice technician within the next two Olympic cycles.
There are also multiple Olympic athletes with connections to the University of Alberta, past and present.
Physical performance
Qualifying for the Olympics demands years of intense physical preparation. U of A researchers with experience working alongside elite and Olympic athletes can speak to the science behind building and sustaining peak performance. Other experts work directly with female athletes to navigate training during pregnancy and postpartum, helping them continue to compete at the highest levels of sport.
In addition, the U of A plays a key role in developing future Paralympians through The Steadward Centre, which supports para-athletes early in their sporting journeys. By focusing on long-term athlete development, the centre helps lay the foundation for success on the Paralympic stage.
Mental performance
Beyond physical endurance, Olympic success depends on peak mental performance. Researchers from the Faculty of Kinesiology, Sport, and Recreation can speak to strategies for overcoming negativity bias and performance blocks, and the role of self-compassion in helping athletes perform under pressure.
Nutrition for high level athletes
No training is complete without a strong focus around nutrition. U of A dieticians are available to share how high-performance athletes fuel their bodies.
Economics of the Games
From major sponsorships — such as Lululemon serving as the official outfitter of Team Canada — or athlete endorsements, to the powerful value of the Olympic brand, money is a big part of the Games. University of Alberta experts can speak to a range of economic questions, from taxpayers’ willingness to pay for medal success to the costs and benefits of hosting the Olympics.
The Olympic’s social and political impact
The Olympics unite the world, but they also reveal its politics. U of A experts can unpack the ties between hockey and geopolitics, Olympic protest and activism, and the powerful role sport plays in shaping national identity.
If you would like to connect with a researcher on any of the topics above, or have a different topic you are seeking expertise on, please contact:
Sarah Vernon | University of Alberta Media Strategist | svernon@ualberta.ca