Top Canadian Olympians to watch for

The 2012 London Olympics are here! Although Canada is more renowned for its Winter Games prowess, we have a solid team in London for the Summer Games. Here are just some of the medal hopefuls representing our country on the world stage this summer.

Richard Clarke and Tyler Bjorn – Sailing

At 43 and 42 respectively, they are some of the more seasoned Olympians in the games. With it being Clarke’s third attempt at a medal, he will be bringing all he has to London.

Tara Whitten, Jasmin Glaesser and Gillian Carleton – Track Cycling Team

Having just won Silver in London earlier this year, and Bronze at the World Championships in Melbourne, this cycling team is a likely to bring home some medals.

Karen Cockburn – Trampolinist

She’s already won three Olympic medals, and her chances of returning to the podium again are high.

Paula Findley – Triathlete

A notable force on the triathlon scene, she won the 2010 World Championships and is likely to take home another medal in London.

Dylan Armstrong – Shot Putter

Having just missed the podium by a single centimeter in Beijing, expect him to be more determined than ever to win in London.

Clara Hughes – Cyclist

Also a celebrated speed skater during the Winter Games, she only needs one more medal to be the most decorated Olympian in Canadian history.

Ryan Cochrane – Swimmer

As the Canadian swim team leader, he is known for being a powerhouse in the distance race, but faces some tough competition from the Australian and American teams.

Priscilla Lopez-Schliep – Track

Recently giving birth hasn’t slowed down Canada’s track favorite, who won the Diamond League Race in 2010.

Jennifer Abel and Emilie Heymans – Divers

Canada has a strong diving team, and these two both have what it takes to win a medal this summer.

Adam Van Koeverden – Kayak

With three Olympic medals already under his belt, he is a favorite to win again in London.

Mary Spencer – Boxer

Having just won gold in 2011 at the Pan American Games, she is determined to bring home an Olympic medal for Canada.

Eric Lamaze – Show Jumper

Having won Gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2008, his chances at a repeat performance are solid, but he will have to do it without the horse that brought him gold, as he passed away in 2011.

Hilary Stellingwerff – Mid-distance Runner

Despite falling ill with food poisoning during her Olympic qualifying race, she still managed to pull out her best time yet and make the cut. We look forward to seeing her tackle the 1500 meter race in London.

Sources: Wikipedia, Globe and Mail, CBC, Star

Photo ©iStockphoto.com/PeskyMonkey

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