The Canadian women’s speed skating team, consisting of Ivanie Blondin, Valérie Maltais, and Isabelle Weidemann, captured gold in the team pursuit event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. This triumph took place on February 17, 2026, when the team successfully defended their Olympic title from Beijing 2022.
Victory at Milano Cortina 2026
The women’s team pursuit final was held at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. The Canadians started the race in a challenging position, trailing initially. However, as the race progressed, they showcased remarkable resilience.
After sitting in second place, the team gained momentum in the fourth lap. They surpassed the Dutch team, who began to fatigue. Canada finished with a time of 2:55.81, nearly one second ahead of their rivals.
Medal Standings
- Gold: Canada – 2:55.81
- Silver: Netherlands – 2:56.77
- Bronze: Japan – 2:58.50
This victory highlights the team’s remarkable journey. They aimed to focus on executing their strategy rather than succumbing to the pressure of being defending champions. “We knew there was some expectation,” said Maltais. “But it was essential to focus on ourselves.”
Building Trust and Strategy
The trust among the trio was instrumental in their success. “The trust that we have with this team is what made that happen,” noted Blondin. Weidemann echoed this sentiment, stating that the team’s dynamic has evolved since Beijing.
The skaters, now in their early to mid-30s, joked about their age. They consider themselves seasoned competitors rather than newcomers. Each member has a commendable individual record, contributing to the strength and synergy of the group.
The Road to the Gold Medal
Prior to the final, Canada triumphed over the United States in the semifinals, finishing 4.22 seconds ahead. This performance set the stage for their ultimate showdown with the Netherlands, a strong contender who had previously secured victories in various international championships.
Since forming the team in 2018-19, they have won multiple medals, including gold in the ISU World Cup and podium placements at the World Single Distances Championships. Each achievement has prepared them for the pressures of Olympic competition.
Looking Ahead
The Canadian team’s focus is steadfast as they embrace the thrill of competition. “Going to the line and putting the power to the ice is just fun when you feel in good shape,” Maltais shared, emphasizing their commitment to perform their best while enjoying the sport.
In conclusion, the Canadian trio’s trust and shared experience propelled them to an impressive gold medal win at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Their journey reflects both individual excellence and a strong, united team spirit.
