# RBC Training Ground talent search finalists

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/rbc-training-ground-talent-search-finalists
> Updated: 2026-10-07T18:30:00.000Z. Sources: 11. Developments: 2.

The 2026 RBC Training Ground, an official talent search by the Canadian Olympic Committee, has identified several finalists from British Columbia. 

In September, three athletes from the Central Okanagan region—sprinter Kaylie Lofstrom, snowboard cross competitor Avlyn Smirl, and Jordynn Burford—were named finalists following local qualifiers. 

By October, two additional athletes from the Cowichan Valley, rugby player Emma Narraway and speed climber Jack Whitney, were announced as finalists. These athletes will join 98 others to compete for 35 available funding opportunities.

## Claims

- Emma Narraway and Jack Whitney advanced to the 2026 RBC Training Ground finals. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The finalists competed against nearly 3,000 other Olympic hopefuls. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- The final stage includes 98 athletes competing for 35 funding opportunities. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Clarence Gay, NextGen Women’s Rugby Sevens lead at Rugby Canada, stated Emma Narraway showcases exceptional speed and strength. (corroborated by 3 sources)
- Jack Whitney is a member of the Canadian National climbing team and an international medalist. (corroborated by 3 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-10-07: Cowichan Valley athletes named RBC Training Ground finalists

Cowichan Valley athletes Emma Narraway and Jack Whitney have reached the 2026 RBC Training Ground finals, competing for one of 35 funding opportunities among 98 elite Olympic hopefuls.

7 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/cowichan-valley-athletes-named-rbc-training-ground-finalists

### 2026-09-09: Okanagan athletes named finalists in Canadian Olympic Committee talent search

Three Central Okanagan athletes, Kaylie Lofstrom, Avlyn Smirl, and Jordynn Burford, have named as finalists in the Canadian Olympic Committee’s RBC Training Ground talent search.

4 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/okanagan-athletes-named-finalists-in-canadian-olympic-committee-talent-search

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Cite as: RBC Training Ground talent search finalists. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/rbc-training-ground-talent-search-finalists