Two of Canada’s biggest Olympic stars will help kick off this year’s Calgary Stampede.
Short-track speed skater Courtney Sarault and moguls skier Mikaël Kingsbury have been named the 2026 Calgary Stampede Parade Marshals.
Sarault captured four medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, while Kingsbury made history by becoming the first Olympic champion in men’s dual moguls and also earned a silver medal.
Both athletes say they’re honoured by the recognition—and surprisingly, neither has ever attended the Calgary Stampede before.
While they’re no strangers to Calgary, both have strong ties to the city through their sporting careers. Kingsbury says Calgary is where he’s enjoyed some of his greatest success on the World Cup circuit, while Sarault trained at the Olympic Oval and won her first World Cup medal here.
As for parade preparations? Sarault is joking about getting her waving arm in shape, while Kingsbury admits it’s been years since he’s ridden a horse. Once the parade is over, Kingsbury is looking forward to seeing the rodeo, while Sarault hopes to catch some live country music including a performance by Tucker Wetmore.
Calgary Stampede Parade Info:
- Date: Friday, July 3, 2026
- Start Time: 9:00 a.m.
- Route: The traditional downtown route spans 4.5 kilometers, generally beginning at 9th Avenue and 1st Street East, moving west to 10th Street SW, and heading north to finish on 6th Avenue.
- Pre-Parade Festivities: Many community organizations host morning breakfast events along the route starting as early as 7:00 a.m.
- Cost: The parade is free to watch along the streets, though paid, reserved grandstand seating is available.
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