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A raft of Short Track debutants are aiming to reign supreme at the Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026.

Topping the bill will be William Dandjinou (CAN). The big Canadian, pictured above, missed out on making the cut for the Beijing 2022 Olympic Games, and that disappointment has driven him forward ever since. He’s become the world’s top Short Track racer, winning the last two ISU Crystal Globes in succession.

Dandjinou, 24, is equally capable across the 500m, 1000m and 1500m, and is likely to feature in both the men’s and mixed relays, too. Five medals. Five golds? It’s the stuff of dreams and would constitute one of the best debut performances in any sport at any Olympics.

Kim Gilli will be targeting medals in her Olympic Winter Games debut © ISU

On the women’s side, another extraordinary athlete is making their Olympic bow. Kim Gilli (KOR), 21, was ISU Crystal Globe winner three seasons ago, and might have retained the title in 2024/25, had she not missed some of the season to go to the Asian Games.

Kim is technically superb, a brilliant tactical racer and full of confidence. Across the 1500m and 1000m in particular, she will be a danger.

Rim Jongun has shown his significant potential on the ISU Short Track World Tour © ISU

Also exciting Korean fans is Rim Jongun. Just 18, having dominated at junior level, he had an explosive first season at senior level, winning two gold medals on the ISU Short Track World Tour. Can this young talent hold his nerve and become an Olympic champion?

Other notable debutants? Look out for Felix Roussel, another highly rated Canadian on the men’s side, who has been making podiums this season, and was a star of the Canada trials last autumn.

Italy’s Thomas Nadalini is also coming into form at the right time. A powerful racer in the Wu Dajing mould, he’s impressed on the Short Track World Tour and is highly motivated by a home Games.

Elisa Confortola is one of the Italian talents looking to thrill the home crowd in Milan © ISU

In the women’s line-up, a trio of young talents should excite the home crowd: Italians Elisa Confortola, Chiara Betti and Gloria Ioriatti. Michelle Velzeboer (NED), meanwhile, joins her sister at a Games for the first time, and will be desperate to combine with her for a relay medal.