Canadian · Lévis, Quebec, Canada · Born 14 April 1984Canadian short track speed skater and the country's most decorated male Winter Olympian, whose 20-year career ended with a sixth Olympic medal at age 37, the oldest short track medalist in Olympic history.
Charles Hamelin was born on 14 April 1984 in Lévis, Quebec, and took up speed skating at nine, inspired by his younger brother François, who would also become an Olympian. Short track ran in the family - their father Yves later served as director of Canada's national short track program - and Charles made his Olympic debut at the 2006 Turin Games, winning silver in the 5,000m relay after finishing fourth individually in the 1,500m. Hamelin's breakthrough came at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, where in the space of 30 minutes he won gold in the 500m, setting an Olympic record, and then teamed with his brother and others to win gold in the 5,000m relay via a strategy nicknamed 'Operation Cobra.' At the 2014 Sochi Olympics he added a third gold, winning the 1,500m as the overwhelming favorite. Beyond the Olympics, he won 38 World Championship medals across a career that also included five relay world titles and the 2018 overall World Championship crown, won in front of his home crowd in Montreal. Hamelin capped his Olympic career at Beijing 2022, his fifth Games, where he was chosen as Canada's flagbearer and won gold in the men's 5,000m relay in his final race, becoming - at 37 - the oldest short track speed skating medalist in Olympic history and the first male skater to win a medal at five different Olympics. His sixth career Olympic medal tied him with Cindy Klassen for the most by any Canadian Winter Olympian. He retired immediately after and has continued teaching the sport through his own academy and equipment company.
Becoming Canada's most decorated male short track speed skater and, at 37, the oldest short track medalist in Olympic history in his final race
How They Played
Tactically astute, powerful short track racer known for peaking at major championships and executing team strategies flawlessly under pressure
Lasting Impact
Widely regarded as the greatest short track speed skater in Canadian history, whose 20-year career and sustained excellence across five Olympic Games inspired the next generation of Canadian skaters
Career Honours
- 4x Olympic Gold Medalist
- 6 Olympic medals - tied for most by any Canadian Winter Olympian
- Oldest short track speed skating medalist in Olympic history (age 37)
- 2018 Overall World Champion
Canadian Athletes