Get ready to be inspired, because Canada’s speed skating women have just made history—again. In a thrilling display of precision, teamwork, and sheer determination, Isabelle Weidemann, Valérie Maltais, and Ivanie Blondin clinched their second consecutive Olympic gold in the women’s team pursuit at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. But here’s where it gets even more impressive: they’re the first team to achieve this back-to-back feat since Germany in 2006 and 2010. And this is the part most people miss—their victory wasn’t just about speed; it was about tactical brilliance and resilience in the face of early deficits against the formidable Dutch team.
The race itself was a masterclass in strategy. The Netherlands took an early lead, finishing the first two laps 0.75 seconds ahead. But Canada’s trio didn’t panic. By the midpoint, they’d slashed the gap to 0.43 seconds, and with two laps to go, they surged ahead by 0.10 seconds. By the final lap, they’d extended their lead to 0.46 seconds, crossing the finish line in 2:55.81, compared to the Dutch’s 2:56.77. CBC Sports analyst Anastasia Bucsis, a two-time Canadian Olympic speed skater, noted that while the Dutch looked relaxed, they seemed slightly heavier on their feet—a subtle but crucial advantage for Canada.
This victory wasn’t just a repeat of their 2022 Beijing triumph, where they set a Games record of 2:53.44. It was a testament to their adaptability. After making tactical adjustments, Weidemann, Maltais, and Blondin proved they’re not just fast—they’re smart. Bucsis hailed them as ‘the greatest Canadian team pursuit group of all time,’ and it’s hard to argue. Their performance was nothing short of spectacular, especially considering the pressure of defending their title on the world’s biggest stage.
But here’s the controversial part: while Canada celebrated, the Netherlands, despite improving on their Beijing bronze, fell short of their gold medal aspirations. Is this a sign of Canada’s dominance, or did the Dutch simply have an off day? And what does this mean for the future of women’s speed skating? What do you think? Let’s spark a discussion in the comments.
Adding to Canada’s glory, Weidemann, Maltais, and Blondin join freestyle skiing champions Mikaël Kingsbury and Megan Oldham as Canadian gold medalists in Italy. The 207-member Canadian team has also secured four silver and five bronze medals, making this one of their most successful Winter Games yet.
Earlier in the competition, Canada breezed past the United States in the semifinals with a time of 2:55.92, while the Dutch trio of Marijke Groenewoud, Joy Beune, and Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong edged out Japan in a nail-biting 2:55.84. Japan, however, rebounded to claim bronze over the U.S. in the third-place race, with a time of 2:58.50.
For Japan’s Miho Takagi, the bronze was a hard-fought reward. ‘We never gave up,’ she told reporters, reflecting on their semifinal loss to the Netherlands. ‘This medal is something we can be proud of.’
Canada’s momentum heading into these Games was undeniable. Weidemann, Maltais, and Blondin had already amassed eight individual World Cup medals this season, including gold, four silver, and three bronze. They also dominated in team pursuit, securing one gold and two silver medals. Maltais, in particular, shone earlier in Milano-Cortina, claiming bronze in the women’s 3,000 metres—Canada’s first medal of the Games.
Their World Cup victory in Hamar, Norway, in 2025, marked Canada’s first win in the event since January 2024 in Salt Lake City. With silver medals in Salt Lake City and Calgary earlier this season, it’s clear this team is on an upward trajectory.
So, what’s next for Canada’s golden trio? And can anyone challenge their dominance in the years to come? One thing’s for sure: Isabelle Weidemann, Valérie Maltais, and Ivanie Blondin have cemented their legacy as legends of the sport. But the question remains: Are they the greatest team pursuit group of all time? Share your thoughts below—let’s keep the conversation going!
