Canada Makes History: Weidemann Leads Team Pursuit to Second Olympic Gold
Canada has done it again. Isabelle Weidemann, alongside Ivanie Blondin and Valérie Maltais, has led Team Canada to an astonishing second consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s team pursuit at Milano Cortina 2026. After their groundbreaking victory in Beijing 2022, this trio has now cemented their place in Olympic history, defeating the reigning world champions from the Netherlands by nearly a full second in a race that showcased precision, endurance and strategy.
The final was a display of calculated power. The Canadians didn’t explode off the starting line, choosing instead a steady build-up that paid off by the fourth lap. Once they took the lead, they never let up, widening their margin with every split until crossing the line at 2:55.81. This achievement is particularly historic, as no team has successfully defended the women’s team pursuit gold since Germany accomplished it in 2006 and 2010.
Also Read:- Frederik Andersen Back in Net: Denmark Eyes Olympic Quarterfinal Upset
- Juventus Faces Fierce Galatasaray Test in Champions Playoff Clash
Earlier in the day, the Canadians dispatched the United States in the semifinals with a similarly strategic approach. The Americans grabbed an early advantage, but Weidemann, Blondin and Maltais quickly accelerated, overtaking them by the midpoint and finishing over four seconds ahead. Their performance was just shy of the Olympic record set by the same team back in Beijing, proving that their dominance is both consistent and extraordinary.
A key element of their success is the race formation. The team has chosen to keep Weidemann, standing over six feet tall, at the front for the entire race. Her presence creates an optimal draft for Maltais and Blondin, conserving energy and allowing them to maintain peak speed. This strategy, honed over years of competition, has turned the trio into a near-perfect machine on ice.
Individually, these athletes are no strangers to Olympic glory. Weidemann now has four career Olympic medals, adding to her three from Beijing. Maltais also reaches four career medals, having already earned bronze in the 3,000 meters at these Games, while Blondin secures her third Olympic medal with the team’s latest triumph. Their journey together began after Maltais switched from short track to long track speed skating in 2018-19 and since then, they’ve consistently reached the podium at ISU World Championships.
This victory is more than just a medal. It demonstrates the strength of Canadian speed skating on the global stage and sets a new standard for teamwork, preparation and athletic excellence in the Olympics.
Stay with us for ongoing coverage of Milano Cortina 2026, as we continue to follow Team Canada’s historic run and the remarkable athletes who are redefining the limits of winter sports.
Read More:
0 تعليقات