Olympic great Jennifer Heil named chef de mission for Milan-Cortina Winter Games [Video]

A selfless athlete and leader during her moguls skiing career, Jennifer Heil will bring those qualities and others to her role as Canada’s chef de mission for the Milan-Cortina Olympics in 2026, the Canadian Olympic Committee announced Tuesday. 

As team spokesperson, the native of Spruce Grove, Alta., will also serve as a mentor, supporter and cheerleader with the aim to motivate and inspire athletes while protecting their performance.

“This is a massive honour,” Heil told Anastasia Bucsis of CBC Sports. “I have a lot to draw on for the athletes. But I think more than that, I have perspective. And sometimes perspective is lacking as an athlete coming into your Games, which sometimes can be too much and too much pressure.

“I have that experience to release the pressure valve a little bit for the team.”

The key position is filled by an athlete who represented Canada on the international …