OSHAWA, Ont. – Ontario Tech varsity athlete Jia Leblanc has been named a finalist in RBC Training Ground, the Canadian Olympic Committee's nationwide talent search program.

The 21-year-old Ridgeback, a multi-sport athlete was among more than 2,500 athletes (aged 14-25) who tested their speed, strength, power and endurance at free qualifier events across the country. Earlier this year, Ontario Tech served as one of the program's host sites, welcoming athletes from across the region to showcase their abilities in front of Olympic scouts. She will now compete at the national final in Vancouver on Saturday, November 1.

Leblanc made Ridgebacks history this fall as the first tri-sport varsity athlete, suiting up with the lacrosse and curling teams after playing goal for the women's hockey program in 2023-24. RBC Training Ground has added a fourth sport to her resumé: skeleton.

"Jia has shown exceptional dedication since we met her at RBC Training Ground, attending all three summer push camps and steadily improving her performance each time," said Joe Cecchini, Head Coach and Technical Lead for Skeleton at Bobsleigh Skeleton Canada. "She fits seamlessly into the team environment, bringing both supportive energy and competitive intensity. With her drive, enthusiasm, and continued progress, Jia has the potential to become a cornerstone of the women's program in the years ahead."

At the national final, the top 100 athletes identified for Olympic potential will undergo another round of testing against sport-specific high-performance benchmarks, with 35 earning funding and a spot in a national development program. Athletes selected receive support for coaching, travel, equipment and training, along with an accelerated path to the Olympics through one of 15 partner National Sport Organizations.

"Having the financial support of RBC would allow me to train for skeleton in Whistler," said Leblanc in her program submission. "Being from Ontario, it is difficult to excel in the sport without being present in training camps due to financial constraints. Becoming an RBC Future Olympian would be an honour."

RBC Training Ground is wrapping up its 10th year, having tested more than 18,500 athletes since its launch in 2016. More than 3,000 participants have been identified by National Sport Organizations as having Olympic potential, with 21 alumni competing at the Olympic Games and winning 14 medals, including seven in Paris 2024.