Olympic preview: Canadian athletes to watch in Rio

Composite photo of Canadian athletes, from left: Kia Nurse, Mark de Jonge, Andre de Grasse and Arian Fortin (THE CANADIAN PRESS)

Canada's goal at the Rio Olympics is a top-12 finish in the medal standings. Here's a look at some Canadian athletes to watch at the Games:

BROOKE HENDERSON

Brooke Henderson Brooke Henderson, of Canada, follows her drive from the 10th tee during the final round of the U.S. Women's Open golf tournament at CordeValle, in San Martin, Calif. on Sunday, July 10, 2016. (AP / Eric Risberg)

Brimming with confidence after her first major win on the LPGA Tour, Henderson is enjoying another strong, consistent season. The Rio golf course suits her big-hitting game and the 18-year-old will be a podium favourite now that she's rocketed up the world rankings.

ROSIE MACLENNAN

Canadian athlete Rosie MacLennan Canadian athlete Rosie MacLennan holds a Canadian flag after being named as the flag bearer for the upcoming Summer Olympics Thursday July 21, 2016 in Ottawa. (THE CANADIAN PRESS/Adrian Wyld)

Canada's lone reigning Olympic champion is back to defend her women's trampoline title. Head injuries slowed her progress over the last year but MacLennan expects to be in top form for Rio.

ANDRE DE GRASSE

Andre De Grasse Andre De Grasse leads during the senior men's 200 metre semifinals at the Canadian Track and Field Championships and Selection Trials for the 2016 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games, in Edmonton, Alta., on July 10, 2016. (Jason Franson/THE CANADIAN PRESS)

De Grasse showed he belonged among the track world's elite by racing to a bronze in the 100 metres at the world championship last year. The 2020 Tokyo Games may be a better bet for an Olympic breakthrough, but lining up against Usain Bolt in Rio would still be must-watch television.

CHRISTINE SINCLAIR

Christine Sinclair Canada's Christine Sinclair looks on during first half of the FIFA Women's World Cup round of 16 soccer action in Vancouver in this June 21, 2015, file photo. (Darryl Dyck / The Canadian Press)

Sinclair carried the Canadian women's soccer team on her back in London, willing the squad to a bronze medal. It will be a tall order to return to the podium this year. However, any team with the sublime Sinclair on the pitch cannot be counted out.

DEREK DROUIN

Derek Drouin Canada's Derek Drouin reacts on his way to winning the gold medal in the men's high jump at the World Athletic Championships at the Bird's Nest stadium in Beijing, Sunday, Aug. 30, 2015. (AP/Wong Maye-E)

Drouin emerged in the Olympic spotlight four years ago by finishing third in the men's high jump and really cemented his elite status with a world title last year. Drouin also has Commonwealth and Pan Am gold on his resume and could very well win his first Olympic title.

KIA NURSE

Kia Nurse at Pan Am Games Canada forward Kia Nurse reacts against the United States during second half gold medal action at the Pan American Games in Toronto on Monday, July 20, 2015. (Nathan Denette / The Canadian Press)

The six-foot guard has shone on the big stage, helping the University of Connecticut win back-to-back NCAA women's basketball titles and leading Canada to gold at the FIBA Americas and Pan Am Games. Nurse is coming off surgery for a sports hernia but is expected to be fully recovered in time for the Games. Assuming she's back in top form, she'll again be a dynamic force on the hardcourt for a Canadian team that has a decent shot at the podium.

RYAN COCHRANE

Ryan Cochrane swims in Barcelona, Spain Canada's Ryan Cochrane swims in Barcelona, Spain, on July 31, 2013. (AP / Michael Sohn)

Gold would be the next step in the Olympic progression for the Canadian distance freestyle swimmer. Cochrane won bronze in the 1,500 metres at the 2008 Beijing Games and added Olympic silver four years later in London. He will also race in the 400 and could reach the podium at that distance too.

ARIANE FORTIN

Canadian Olympic Boxing team member Ariane Fortin Canadian Olympic Boxing team member Ariane Fortin (75kg) works out after being introduced to the media, in Montreal on Thursday, July 14, 2016. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Ryan Remiorz

Women's boxing made its Olympic debut in London but Fortin missed out on Canada's lone 75-kilo roster spot, which went to Mary Spencer. American Claressa Shields is the dominant force in the division but Fortin could still be in the mix for a medal.

MARK DE JONGE

Canada wins gold in K1 200m kayak race Canada's Mark de Jonge paddles his way to a gold medal in the men's K1 200m kayak race at the 2015 Pan Am Games in Welland, Ont., Tuesday, July 14, 2015. (Aaron Lynett / THE CANADIAN PRESS)

The veteran paddler won bronze in his Olympic debut in London four years ago. The two-time world champion in the K1 200 metres also won gold at the Pan Am Games last summer in Toronto. He's a favourite to reach the podium again in Rio.

THE FAB IV

Quebec divers Roseline Filion, Jennifer Abel, Meaghan Benfeito and Pamela Ware -- known as the Fab IV -- are all medal threats in both synchro and individual events. They also say they're best friends who love to have fun together. There's plenty of evidence of this on their official Fab IV Twitter account.