Isabelle Weidemann, along with Canadian speed skaters Ivanie Blondin and Valérie Maltais, is determined to defend their Olympic title in the women’s team pursuit at the upcoming Winter Games in Milan Cortina. Weidemann, a veteran in long track speed skating, is not only aiming for a medal but is also focused on the new additions to Canada’s team of 15 athletes, including eight women and seven men, looking to surpass the five-medal achievement from the previous Winter Olympics in Beijing.
Expressing her growth as both an athlete and a person over the past four years, Weidemann, hailing from Ottawa, shared her veteran approach towards the upcoming Games. She highlighted the influx of energetic new faces within the team and expressed her pride in being part of this evolving group. Weidemann, who carried Canada’s flag at the closing ceremony of the 2022 Games in Beijing, intends to take on a more prominent leadership role in Italy and ensure the support of the next generation of athletes.
Valérie Maltais, preparing for her fifth Winter Games and second in long track speed skating, emphasized the emotional significance of representing her country and the valuable lessons learned throughout her Olympic journey. Looking forward to her fifth Olympic appearance, Maltais expressed heightened excitement and a strong determination to maximize the experience both personally and as part of Team Canada.
Weidemann, Maltais, and Blondin have demonstrated exceptional form leading up to the Games, collectively securing eight individual World Cup medals this season, including one gold, four silver, and three bronze. Their success extends to team pursuits as well, with podium finishes and notable victories. Béatrice Lamarche, another standout performer, claimed her first World Cup medal earlier in the season, setting the stage for her Olympic debut alongside rising talents like Rose Laliberté-Roy, Carolina Hiller-Donnelly, and Laura Hall.
On the men’s side, Canada will be represented by accomplished speed skaters Ted-Jan Bloemen and Laurent Dubreuil, both Olympic medalists in their own right. Bloemen, a former world record holder, aims to build on his past successes, including gold in the 10,000m in Pyeongchang. Dubreuil, with over 50 World Cup medals, anticipates delivering his best performance yet in Milan Cortina.
Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu, a returning Olympian, joins the male roster alongside debutants like Cédrick Brunet, Anders Johnson, David La Rue, and Daniel Hall. La Rue’s recent qualification in the men’s 1,500 adds to the team’s depth and prospects for a strong showing in Italy.
With a total of 42 Olympic medals in long track speed skating, Canada boasts a rich history of success in the sport, dating back to the inaugural Winter Games in 1924. This year’s team, comprising a blend of experience and emerging talent, is primed to showcase their speed, technique, and mental fortitude on the international stage, aiming to dominate the competition. Jennifer Heil, former Olympic skier and Canada’s chef de mission for Milan Cortina, encourages the athletes to embrace every moment, embrace the adrenaline, and make the most of their Olympic journey.