Valérie Maltais is showcasing an impressive performance as she gears up for her fifth Olympic appearance. The 35-year-old speed skater from La Baie, Quebec, achieved her fastest 3,000 meters time at the World Cup season opener in Salt Lake City, securing a silver medal. Adding to her success, Maltais clinched another silver in the women’s mass start event and contributed to Canada’s silver in the team pursuit.
Looking ahead to the upcoming 3k race in Calgary, Maltais expressed her enthusiasm, highlighting the conducive conditions for fast ice and the supportive crowd. She emphasized the importance of executing her race strategy effectively, aiming for alignment in her physical and technical aspects.
Calgary marks the second stop among the five scheduled World Cup events this season, with Maltais joined by 27 Canadian athletes vying for medals and Olympic qualification. In the previous season, Canadians garnered a total of 16 medals across six World Cup stops, including two gold, eight silver, and six bronze.
Notably, Maltais stands out as the sole Canadian speedskater to have won Olympic medals in both short track and long track disciplines. Having transitioned to long track in 2019, Maltais, along with Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, secured team pursuit gold in Beijing 2022.
With her enduring presence in elite competition, Maltais belongs to a select group of Canadian athletes who competed in the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and continue to excel in their respective sports. Reflecting on her journey, Maltais credits advancements in training technology and athlete support for sustaining her peak performance.
Married to Olympic speedskater Jordan Belchos, Maltais acknowledged the pivotal role of a sport physiologist at Quebec’s Intact Insurance Centre de Glaces in optimizing her training regimen. Alongside Blondin and Weidemann, Maltais is geared up for a competitive weekend, aiming to build on their recent strategic adjustments for improved performance.
While eyeing individual success on home ice, Blondin emphasized the team’s focus on peak performance at the upcoming Olympic Games. The trio’s strategic shifts and training approach reflect their long-term goal of excelling on the global stage.
As the speed skating season unfolds, fans can catch all the action by following the CBC Sports broadcast schedule for event timings and viewing options.