Valérie Maltais is showcasing enhanced performance as she gears up for her fifth Olympic appearance. The 35-year-old speed skater hailing from La Baie, Quebec, kicked off the World Cup season with a personal best in the 3,000 meters, securing a silver medal in Salt Lake City. Following another silver in the women’s mass start and contributing to Canada’s silver in the team pursuit, Maltais aims to maintain her momentum for the upcoming 3k race in Calgary.
Expressing her enthusiasm for the upcoming race in Calgary, Maltais highlighted the conducive conditions at the venue and emphasized the importance of executing her race plan effectively. Her focus remains on precise execution, aiming to align her physical and technical aspects seamlessly.
Calgary marks the second stop in the World Cup series this season, with Maltais among 27 Canadian athletes competing to secure medals and qualification spots for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. The Canadian team had an impressive performance last season, clinching a total of 16 medals across six World Cup events.
Maltais stands out as the only Canadian speed skater to have won Olympic medals in both short track and long track events. Having transitioned to long track in 2019, Maltais, along with Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, secured a gold medal in the team pursuit at the Beijing Olympics in 2022.
As one of the few Canadian athletes who participated in the 2010 Vancouver and Whistler Olympics and continue to compete in 2026, Maltais values her experience and credits advancements in training technology and athlete support for her peak performance. She emphasized the importance of understanding her body’s needs, especially at 35 years old, to avoid injuries and maintain top form.
Partnered with Ottawa’s Blondin and Weidemann, Maltais is gearing up to compete in various events, including the team pursuit. The trio adopted a new strategy, with Weidemann leading throughout the race in Salt Lake City, showcasing their determination to compete at the highest level.
Looking ahead to the Olympic Games, the Canadian speed skaters are strategically training through the World Cup events, aiming to peak during the pinnacle event. The focus remains on optimizing performance for the ultimate goal of excelling at the Olympics.
For detailed information on speed skating event schedules and broadcasts, viewers can refer to the CBC Sports broadcast schedule.
