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As the countdown to the2026 Winter Olympicsin Milan Cortina begins, Canada’s long track speed skating team is poised for a significant impact. Comprising 15 athletes, including eight women led by accomplished skater Isabelle Weidemann, the team aims to surpass its previous tally of five medals from the Beijing Olympics.
Weidemann, who has already made her mark with three medals at the 2026 Games, focuses not only on her achievements but also on mentoring the next generation of Canadian skaters.
Team dynamics and leadership
At 30 years old, Weidemann has experienced considerable growth as both an athlete and a leader. Reflecting on her development, she stated, “I’ve changed a lot as an athlete and as a person these past four years.” Her commitment to fostering a supportive environment for her teammates is evident as she embraces her mentoring role.
Emotional connections
Valérie Maltais, a seasoned competitor at age 35, prepares for her fifth Olympic appearance. Having transitioned from short track to long track, her journey exemplifies resilience and passion. “Representing Canada for the fifth time at the Olympic Games is not something I could have believed possible,” she expressed, emphasizing the emotional significance of her participation. Maltais aims to seize every moment of this experience, driven by excitement that surpasses that of her debut.
Recent performances and momentum
The Canadian team enters the Olympics with strong momentum, bolstered by impressive performances on the World Cup circuit. Weidemann, Maltais, and Ivanie Blondin collectively earned eight individual medals this season, including gold, silver, and bronze. Their consistent podium finishes in team pursuit further enhance their confidence heading into the Games.
Among the promising newcomers is Béatrice Lamarche, who recently secured her first World Cup medal in Salt Lake City. She represents a wave of fresh talent, joining fellow rookies Rose Laliberté-Roy and Carolina Hiller-Donnelly, as well as distance skater Laura Hall. This infusion of energy is essential as the team sets its sights on Olympic success.
Men’s team leaders
On the men’s side, the team is led by Olympic medalists Ted-Jan Bloemen and Laurent Dubreuil. Bloemen, a veteran at 39, previously claimed gold in the 10,000-meter event and silver in the 5,000-meter race during the Pyeongchang Games. After a challenging outing in Beijing, he is eager to reclaim his competitive edge in Milan Cortina.
Dubreuil, 33, is one of Canada’s most decorated male speed skaters, boasting over 50 World Cup medals throughout his career. His focus remains on delivering his best performance rather than merely chasing medals: “I still feel on top of my game and I still believe in my chances,” he stated, demonstrating his commitment to excellence.
Family legacy in sport
Several athletes on the team come from a lineage of Olympians, showcasing the depth of talent within Canadian speed skating.LauraandDaniel Hallfollow in the footsteps of their father, Mike, who competed in Lillehammer in 1994. Similarly, Béatrice Lamarche’s father, Benoît, represented Canada in the 1984 and 1988 Games, while Dubreuil’s parents also have Olympic backgrounds. Such familial ties enrich the team’s narrative and inspire a culture of excellence.
Canada’s long track speed skaters have achieved remarkable success, amassing a total of 42 Olympic medals, making it the nation’s most successful winter sport. The current roster embodies a blend ofexplosive speed,technical precision, andmental resilience, all crucial for competing on the international stage.