Olympics

Canadian athletes to follow on social media ahead of Rio 2016

Check out some of Canada's finest and most follow-worthy athletes on their road to the 2016 Rio Olympic Games.
(Twitter & Instagram)

There is only one month to go until Rio 2016 gets started, so you're probably wondering who will be representing your country — and who to follow on social media.

Take a look at — and give a follow to — some of the most entertaining Canadian athletes on their #RoadToRio.

Heather Bansley, Beach Volleyball — @heatherbansley

Heather is always keeping fans up to date on her team's accomplishments on both Twitter and Instagram. Her office being a beach makes her snaps pretty epic.

Crispin Duenas, Archery — @crispin_duenas

Did you have a math or science teacher in high school that doubled as an Olympic archer? No? Then you missed out on Crispin Duenas — the two-time Olympian not only has great aim but also moulds young minds. Oh, and did we mention he's buddies with Chris Hadfield?

Ryan Cochrane, Swimming — @cochraneryan

This isn't his first rodeo; Ryan is actually going for an Olympic three-peat at the Rio Games. He's also sure to post results and training updates.

Hilary Caldwell, Swimming — @hilcaldwell

From hilarious throwbacks to behind-the-scenes training shots, Hilary's Instagram caption game is sure to have you actually laughing out loud.

Joseph Polossifakis, Fencing — @Polo4Rio

Ever want behind-the-scenes access to what Canadian Olympians get up to during Games time? Fencer Joseph Polossifakis is sure to give you just that and then some on his social feeds.

Rosie MacLennan, Trampoline — @RosieMacLennan

Rosie may be the only Canadian athlete defending an Olympic gold medal from the London 2012 Games but that doesn't mean she can't have a little fun along the way. McLennan's Instagram is full of some really great flipping content — see what we did there?

Jen Kish, Rugby 7s — @jen_kish

Rugby 7s captain Jen Kish is sure to have fans laughing while also keeping them posted on all the behind-the-scenes stories throughout the Games.

Jacqueline Simoneau, Synchronized Swimming — @jackie_simoneau

Jacqueline will be making her way to Rio for her first Olympic Games along with veteran partner Karine Thomas. While most athletes would be feeling the pressure, Simoneau is enjoying every moment alongside her teammate.

Korey Jarvis, Wrestling — @korey.jarvis @Daddyjar86

Whether you're a tweeter, instagrammer or snapchatter, Korey Jarvis has you covered. From sharing inspirational workout videos to adorable pics with his daughter to his "Cooking with Korey" Snapchat segment, Jarvis is definitely one to follow.

Arthur Biyarslanov, Boxing — @ArthurNoxchi

Biyarslanov, better known as the Chechen Wolf, doesn't shy away from posting a selfie, even when he's about to be introduced to a sold-out Canada Day crowd at the Rogers Centre.

Kadeisha Buchanan, Soccer — @keishaballa

If you're a fan of the ever popular viral dance videos then Kadeisha Buchanan is for sure one to follow. From the Running Man Challenge to dabbing up a storm, Canada's soccer player of the year is sure to entertain.

Leonora Mackinnon, Fencing — @leomack1 @Leo_Mackinnon

When the Canadian isn't busy making national fencing history around the world, she's posting awesome videos of "different" training techniques. 

Ashley Steacy, Rugby 7s — @AshleySteacy @ashley.steacy

This rugby Canada veteran has been sharing awesome statuses and photos surrounding rugby's inaugural Olympics, including some pretty funny throwbacks with her teammates.

Jennifer Abel, Diving — @JennAbel91

Rio will mark Abel's third Olympic Games, having already won bronze in 2012, but should she consider a new sport? The diver loves posting shots with her FabIV ladies (#squadgoals) and tons of fun training updates.

Michael Tayler, Kayak Slalom — @michaeltayler 

If you're not already a fan of slalom kayaking Michael Tayler is sure to change your mind with his beautiful course pictures and fun tourist videos of his time training in Brazil.

Natalie Achonwa, Basketball — @NatAchon 

When she's not busy winning Pan Am gold or tearing up the WNBA, Natalie Achonwa is killing the Twitter game with her jokes and shade throwing ability.

Shawn Barber, Pole Vault — @vaultbarber

Pole vaulting is pretty impressive in general but once you see the views Barber gives on his social feeds you'll truly be blown away.

Georgia Simmerling, Cycling — @gsimmerling

Georgia is set to make history at Rio 2016 by becoming the first Canadian athlete to compete in three different sports in three different Olympic Games. Oh, and her yoga skills? Yeah, they're on point too.

Mark Oldershaw, Canoe — @MarkOldershaw

Mark Oldershaw may have brought home a bronze medal from the London 2012 Games but has since got a much cuter prize in daughter Josephine with Olympic swimmer Annamay Pierse. While Oldershaw still posts epic race photos, who doesn't love staring at a cute baby?

Andre De Grasse, Sprinter — @De6rasse

De Grasse has been making waves since winning the 100- and 200-metre finals at the 2015 Pan Am Games but the Puma athlete always has time to give back to the 6ix.

Honourable mention goes out to wrestlers Jasmine Mian (@jasmine_mian) and Erica Wiebe (@ericawiebe) for not only having great social feeds but also being able to laugh off the trolls.


Follow @CBCOlympics on Twitter and Instagram for all your Olympic updates throughout the #Rio2016 Games.