Ever wondered what it takes for Olympic athletes to reach the pinnacle of their sport? These curious Grade 6 students did, and their journey is nothing short of inspiring! In November, CBC Kids News launched its annual Grade 6 Class Contest, inviting Canadian classrooms to pitch their own news stories. The winning class from Amber Trails Community School in Winnipeg, Manitoba, didn’t just win—they dove headfirst into a question that fascinates us all: How do professional hockey players train for the Olympics?
With the 2026 Olympic Games kicking off in Milan Cortina, Italy, fans are buzzing with excitement. Some are brushing up on Olympic trivia, while others are setting reminders for their favorite events. But here’s where it gets fascinating: What does it really take for athletes to prepare for the world’s biggest stage? These students weren’t satisfied with just wondering—they decided to find out.
Working closely with CBC Kids News, the class refined their pitch and turned their curiosity into a full-fledged news story. Their video takes you behind the scenes, revealing how Olympic hockey players prepare physically, mentally, and even through their diets. It’s a glimpse into the dedication and discipline that goes into becoming a world-class athlete.
And this is the part most people miss: The students’ journey wasn’t just about the athletes—it was about their own growth as young journalists. From brainstorming to filming, they learned firsthand what it takes to craft a compelling story. Their enthusiasm and hard work shine through in every frame of the video.
But let’s pause for a moment. Is the pressure on Olympic athletes too much? Or is it this very intensity that makes their achievements so remarkable? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below.
If you’re craving more inspiring stories, check out these past Class Contest winners:
- WATCH — 14,000 goldfish invaded a local pond. Students wanted to investigate. Link
- WATCH — Kids battle a YouTuber as they research the evolution of Fortnite. Link
- WATCH — This N.L. class tried virtual reality. Here’s what happened. Link
Got questions? Want to share your thoughts on how we’re doing? Use the ‘send us feedback’ link below. And don’t forget to give these young journalists a round of applause for their incredible work!
TOP IMAGE CREDIT: Rudi Pawlychyn/CBC, with graphic design by Philip Street/CBC
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