Ivanie Blondin has secured a silver medal in the women’s mass start event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This marks her second consecutive Olympic silver in this category, having first achieved the feat at Beijing 2022. Blondin crossed the finish line in second place during the 16-lap race, behind Marijke Groenewoud from the Netherlands. Mia Manganello claimed the bronze medal.
Race Highlights
Unlike the men’s mass start that preceded it, where two skaters established a significant lead, the women’s race maintained a more compact competitive field. This closeness set the stage for an exhilarating sprint in the final lap, showcasing the athletes’ endurance and speed.
Event Status and Competitors
- Gold Medalist: Marijke Groenewoud (Netherlands)
- Silver Medalist: Ivanie Blondin (Canada)
- Bronze Medalist: Mia Manganello
- Fifth Place: Valérie Maltais
Valérie Maltais, despite facing a setback earlier in the race, managed to finish in fifth place. The women’s event featured a more controlled pace compared to the men’s final, allowing for strategic positioning as they approached the conclusion.
Blondin’s Olympic Journey
Ivanie Blondin has made a significant mark in Olympic speed skating. With this latest medal, she now boasts four Olympic medals overall. Alongside Maltais and Isabelle Weidemann, Blondin previously won back-to-back gold medals in the women’s team pursuit.
The women’s mass start was introduced as an Olympic event for the third time in history, highlighting its growing significance in the sport. Blondin’s impressive performances over the Olympic Games underscore her status as a leading competitor in long track speed skating.
