Ted-Jan Bloemen, a 39-year-old speed skater from Canada, is determined to end his career on a high note. Following his Olympic success in 2018, where he clinched gold and silver, Bloemen is focused on leaving no room for regrets in his final season.
During the World Cup racing event at Calgary’s Olympic Oval, Bloemen set a new record in the men’s 5,000 meters, surpassing Sven Kramer’s long-standing record. Although his record was later broken by Sander Eitrem of Norway and Casey Dawson of the United States, Bloemen’s performance landed him in third place.
Expressing his emotions after the race, Bloemen described the achievement as significant, highlighting the importance of showcasing his competitive spirit and proving his capability on the ice. Despite not securing the top spot, Bloemen’s dedication and hard work paid off, marking a successful comeback after a challenging previous season without any podium finishes.
On the same day, Valérie Maltais, a speed skater from La Baie, Quebec, also made her mark by setting a personal best in the women’s 3,000 meters. Maltais, who claimed bronze in the event, reflected on her race strategy and the satisfaction of achieving her goals.
The competition saw U.S. speed skater Jordan Stolz claim victory in the men’s 1,000 meters, showcasing his strength and determination in a close battle with Dutch opponent Jenning De Boo. Meanwhile, Dutch women dominated the women’s 1,000 meters, with Femke Kok emerging as the winner.
Overall, Bloemen and Maltais’s performances brought success to the Canadian team, ending a dry spell of medal wins at the Calgary event. Their achievements set a positive tone for the upcoming races and demonstrated their resilience and competitive spirit in the world of speed skating.
