Canada Secures Spot in Olympic Speedskating Gold Medal Race

Canada’s women’s speedskating team has advanced to the gold medal race in the team pursuit category at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. In a thrilling semifinal held on March 5, 2024, the trio of Ivanie Blondin, Isabelle Weidemann, and Valerie Maltais secured their victory against the United States, setting the stage for a highly anticipated matchup against the Netherlands.

This achievement marks a significant milestone for the Canadian team, as they strive to defend their Olympic crown from the 2022 Games. The gold medal race is scheduled for Tuesday at 10:47 a.m. ET / 7:47 a.m. PT. The semifinal victory ensures that Canada will earn its 12th medal at this year’s Olympics, further solidifying the nation’s reputation in winter sports.

Valerie Maltais recently contributed to Canada’s medal count by winning a bronze in the 3,000 metres, which was the country’s first medal in Italy. This success adds to the impressive performance of her teammates, with Isabelle Weidemann previously claiming three medals at the 2022 Olympics, and Ivanie Blondin securing two medals.

The upcoming competition will see Canada face a formidable opponent in the Netherlands, which won the gold medal in team pursuit at last year’s world single-distance championships. In contrast, Canada earned a bronze in the same event, illustrating the competitive landscape heading into the final race.

Both Weidemann and Blondin hail from Ottawa, while Maltais represents La Baie, Quebec. Their collective efforts have not only showcased their individual skills but also emphasized the strength of Canada’s speedskating program.

As the team prepares for the final race, the excitement builds among fans and supporters. The world will be watching as Canada aims to reclaim its title and add another gold medal to its Olympic legacy.