Ivanie Blondin Strikes Silver Again in Dramatic Olympic Mass Start Finale
History has repeated itself on Olympic ice and Ivanie Blondin has delivered once again for Canada.
At the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games, Ivanie Blondin powered her way to a second straight Olympic silver medal in the women’s mass start, confirming her place among the sport’s elite. In a race that tested endurance, patience and pure tactical nerve, the 35-year-old Canadian crossed the line just behind the Netherlands’ Marijke Groenewoud, sealing another unforgettable moment in her already remarkable career.
The women’s mass start is unlike any other long track event. Sixteen laps. Nearly six and a half kilometres. Every skater starts together and the first to cross the finish wins. It is controlled chaos on ice. For most of the race, the pack stayed tight. No early breakaways. No dramatic splits. Just tension building lap after lap. And that calm set the stage for a blistering sprint finish.
Blondin positioned herself perfectly. She stayed patient. She avoided unnecessary risks. And when the final lap arrived, she surged. It was a move built on experience, instinct and resilience.
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This silver medal is more than just another podium finish. It is her fourth career Olympic medal. She already defended her team pursuit gold earlier in these Games alongside Valérie Maltais and Isabelle Weidemann. Now she adds another chapter to her legacy.
But the story carries deeper meaning. Years ago, Blondin stepped away from short track speed skating while battling depression and an eating disorder. She questioned whether her career was over. Instead, she rebuilt herself in long track, found new purpose in Calgary and returned stronger. What we are witnessing now is not just athletic success. It is personal triumph.
The race also delivered drama for teammate Valérie Maltais, who fell early but fought her way back to finish fifth. That determination reflects the culture inside this Canadian team, resilience under pressure, pride in the jersey.
For Canada, this medal pushes the nation’s tally higher and reinforces its dominance in speed skating on the world stage. For Blondin, it marks the closing stretch of an extraordinary Olympic journey, as Milano Cortina is expected to be her final Games.
And what a way to leave the Olympic spotlight.
Stay with us for continuing coverage from the Winter Games, as more stories of resilience, redemption and national pride unfold on this global stage.
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