Valérie Maltais is showing impressive form as she gears up for her fifth Olympic Games. The 35-year-old speed skater from La Baie, Quebec, started the World Cup season with a personal best in the 3,000 meters, clinching a silver medal in Salt Lake City. Following another silver in the women’s mass start event and contributing to Canada’s silver in the team pursuit, Maltais is looking to maintain her momentum in the upcoming 3k race in Calgary.
Excited about the upcoming race, Maltais expressed her eagerness to execute her planned strategy flawlessly on the fast ice of Calgary’s track. With a focus on precise execution, she aims to perform at her peak level, building on her recent successes.
Calgary marks the second stop in the five-part World Cup series this season, with Maltais among the 27 Canadian athletes competing for both medals and qualification spots for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. In the previous season, Canadians secured an impressive total of 16 medals across six World Cup events, including two gold, eight silver, and six bronze.
Notably, Maltais stands out as the only Canadian speed skater to have claimed Olympic medals in both short track and long track events. Transitioning to long track in 2019, she, along with Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, secured team pursuit gold at the Beijing Games in 2022. Maltais joins a select group of Canadian athletes who have competed in multiple Olympic Games spanning over a decade.
Reflecting on her longevity in the sport, Maltais attributed her continued success to advancements in training technology and athlete support systems. She emphasized the importance of tailored training approaches and the enhanced understanding of her body’s needs, which have contributed to her peak performance levels.
Partnered with her husband, Olympic speed skater Jordan Belchos, since 2024, Maltais highlighted the pivotal role of a sport physiologist in optimizing her training regimen during the off-season. The strategic support received has enabled her to avoid injuries and maintain peak fitness levels, crucial for elite athletes pushing their physical limits.
Looking ahead to the upcoming races, Maltais, along with Ottawa’s Blondin and Weidemann, is set to compete in various events, aiming to build on their recent successes. The trio’s strategic adjustments have already shown promising results, with a renewed focus on team dynamics and race tactics.
As they prepare for the Olympic Games, the Canadian speed skating team is strategically planning their training to peak at the right moment. While seeking individual podium finishes, the athletes are prioritizing their long-term goals, keeping the ultimate prize of Olympic success in sight.
For comprehensive details on the speed skating events schedule and how to watch them, viewers can refer to the CBC Sports broadcast schedule for this season.