Canada's goal at the Rio Olympics is a top-12 finish in the medal standings. Here's a look at some Canadian athletes to watch at the Games:
BROOKE HENDERSON
Brimming with confidence after her first major win on the LPGA Tour, Henderson is enjoying another strong, consistent season. The Rio golf course suits her big-hitting game and the 18-year-old will be a podium favourite now that she's rocketed up the world rankings.
ROSIE MACLENNAN
Canada's lone reigning Olympic champion is back to defend her women's trampoline title. Head injuries slowed her progress over the last year but MacLennan expects to be in top form for Rio.
ANDRE DE GRASSE
De Grasse showed he belonged among the track world's elite by racing to a bronze in the 100 metres at the world championship last year. The 2020 Tokyo Games may be a better bet for an Olympic breakthrough, but lining up against Usain Bolt in Rio would still be must-watch television.
CHRISTINE SINCLAIR
Sinclair carried the Canadian women's soccer team on her back in London, willing the squad to a bronze medal. It will be a tall order to return to the podium this year. However, any team with the sublime Sinclair on the pitch cannot be counted out.
DEREK DROUIN
Drouin emerged in the Olympic spotlight four years ago by finishing third in the men's high jump and really cemented his elite status with a world title last year. Drouin also has Commonwealth and Pan Am gold on his resume and could very well win his first Olympic title.
KIA NURSE
The six-foot guard has shone on the big stage, helping the University of Connecticut win back-to-back NCAA women's basketball titles and leading Canada to gold at the FIBA Americas and Pan Am Games. Nurse is coming off surgery for a sports hernia but is expected to be fully recovered in time for the Games. Assuming she's back in top form, she'll again be a dynamic force on the hardcourt for a Canadian team that has a decent shot at the podium.
RYAN COCHRANE
Gold would be the next step in the Olympic progression for the Canadian distance freestyle swimmer. Cochrane won bronze in the 1,500 metres at the 2008 Beijing Games and added Olympic silver four years later in London. He will also race in the 400 and could reach the podium at that distance too.
ARIANE FORTIN
Women's boxing made its Olympic debut in London but Fortin missed out on Canada's lone 75-kilo roster spot, which went to Mary Spencer. American Claressa Shields is the dominant force in the division but Fortin could still be in the mix for a medal.
MARK DE JONGE
The veteran paddler won bronze in his Olympic debut in London four years ago. The two-time world champion in the K1 200 metres also won gold at the Pan Am Games last summer in Toronto. He's a favourite to reach the podium again in Rio.
THE FAB IV
Quebec divers Roseline Filion, Jennifer Abel, Meaghan Benfeito and Pamela Ware -- known as the Fab IV -- are all medal threats in both synchro and individual events. They also say they're best friends who love to have fun together. There's plenty of evidence of this on their official Fab IV Twitter account.
