Diane Ouimet named to World University Cross Country Championship staff

U SPORTS announces Team Canada coaching staff for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Cross Country in Italy

TORONTO — U SPORTS is proud to announce the coaching and support staff who will lead Team Canada at the 2026 FISU World University Championship Cross Country, taking place March 14–15, 2026, in Cassino, Italy.

Christopher Belof (University of New Brunswick) has been named Head Coach, joined by Assistant Coach Kala Stone (University of Victoria) and Therapist Diane Ouimet (StFX University). The trio will guide a talented roster of Canadian student-athletes as they compete against runners from more than 30 countries at one of the premier events on the FISU calendar.

Team Canada athletes for the 2026 FISU World University Championship Cross Country will be announced in mid-January.

"I'm excited to be a part of my first FISU team and lead an exceptionally talented group of Canadian athletes," said Belof. "FISU Cross Country plays an important role in the development of Canadian athletes, and I'm looking forward to working with the staff, leadership group, and athletes representing Canada at the championships."

"We're very pleased to be sending an all-star team of the best U SPORTS runners to wear the maple leaf at the 2026 FISU Cross Country Championship," said Matthew Davies, U SPORTS Chief Sport Officer. "FISU World University Championships provide an international high-performance stage for our student-athletes to compete. Chris, Kala and Diane will ensure our Canadian runners are prepared to compete against some of the best university runners in the world."

About the 2026 FISU World University Championships in Cross Country

Hosted by FederCUSI – CUS Cassino, the 2026 FISU World University Championship brings together many of the world's top university runners for two days of competition, cultural activities and international exchange—reflecting FISU's core values of excellence, passion, teamwork, and academic diversity.

Over two days, Team Canada will compete in women's and men's 3 km and 10 km races, as well as short and long mixed relays, while also taking part in the cultural programming that underscores the academic and international spirit of FISU events.

Saturday, March 14 – Individual Events

• Women's 3 km
• Men's 3 km
• Women's 10 km 
• Men's 10 km 

Sunday, March 15 – Mixed Relay Events

• Short Mixed Relay (1.5–2 km)
• Long Mixed Relay (4.5–6 km) 

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Canada's history at FISU Cross Country

Canada has a proud history at FISU World University Championship Cross Country, highlighted by women's team bronze medals in 2010 and 2014. Building on that legacy, the 2026 squad will look to add another chapter to Canada's international cross-country success in Cassino.

About U SPORTS International Programs

U SPORTS oversees the selection and preparation of Canadian university athletes competing at FISU World University Championships and the FISU World University Games, providing international opportunities that support long-term athlete development and showcase Canadian university sport on the global stage. It along with the City of London and Western University, is the proud host of the 2026 FISU World University Rowing Championships in August.