Marie-Philip Poulin prepares for her fifth Olympics with wisdom gained from four previous Games.
As Canada's ice hockey captain prepares for Milano Cortina 2026, Marie-Philip Poulin reflects on an Olympic journey that has transformed her from an awestruck teenager to a veteran leader who carried her country's flag.
Poulin's Olympic debut came as an 18-year-old, wide-eyed and eager to absorb every moment of her first Games. She recalls being positioned between teammates Charlie, Kim and Carol during her inaugural opening ceremony, describing the experience as overwhelming in the best possible way.
"I was just eyed wide open, wanted to take in everything, asking questions," Poulin shared, remembering how her veteran teammates later teased her about her obvious amazement at the spectacle.
From Student to Mentor
The evolution from rookie to veteran became clear as Poulin experienced subsequent Olympics. By her second Games, she found herself enjoying the ceremonies more, while by later appearances, she had become one of the older athletes helping newcomers navigate their first Olympic experience.
Her advice to young Olympians reflects hard-earned wisdom: "Put your phone down in your pocket and just walk in with your eyes wide open, your heart all in, and just taking it in."
Historic Flag-Bearing Moment
Poulin's Olympic journey reached a pinnacle when she was selected as Canada's flag bearer alongside Charles Hamelin. The moment held special significance, coming after years of watching other Canadian icons like figure skaters Tessa Virtue and Scott Moir carry the flag before her.
She vividly remembers making eye contact with Virtue and Moir before they walked out as flag bearers, sharing a meaningful smile that conveyed her happiness for their honor. Years later, she would experience that same moment from the other perspective.
Ice HockeyNHL Preseason Finale Today, Regular Season Opens Tuesday"Having that crowd behind us, all the athletes, you become a part of a team that's bigger than yourself," Poulin explained, capturing the essence of what representing Canada at the Olympics means to her.
Milano Cortina 2026 Beckons
As she prepares for her fifth Olympic appearance at Milano Cortina 2026, Poulin brings with her not just exceptional hockey skills, but the perspective of someone who has witnessed the Games from every angle - from nervous newcomer to respected leader.
Her journey illustrates the unique arc of Olympic athletes who compete across multiple Games, evolving from students of the Olympic experience to guardians of its traditions and values for the next generation.
