Valérie Maltais is showcasing exceptional form as she gears up for her fifth Olympic Games. The 35-year-old speed skater from La Baie, Que., kicked off the World Cup season by setting a personal best in the 3,000 meters, earning a silver medal in Salt Lake City. Following another silver in the women’s mass start and contributing to Canada’s silver in team pursuit, Maltais is eager to maintain her momentum in the upcoming 3k race in Calgary.
Looking ahead to the competition in Calgary, Maltais expressed her enthusiasm, anticipating fast ice conditions and a supportive crowd. She emphasized the importance of executing her race plan effectively and ensuring that all aspects of her performance align technically and tactically.
This event in Calgary marks the second stop in the World Cup series, with Maltais among 27 Canadian athletes vying for medals and securing qualification for the upcoming Olympics in Milan and Cortina, Italy. Notably, Canadians achieved success in the previous season, clinching a total of 16 medals, including two gold, eight silver, and six bronze across six World Cup stops.
Having transitioned from short track to long track speed skating, Maltais, alongside Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, claimed team pursuit gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2022. As one of the few athletes still competing from the 2010 Vancouver and Whistler Olympics, Maltais credits advancements in training technology and athlete support for her sustained peak performance.
Maltais highlighted the impact of having access to a sport physiologist during off-season training, noting the importance of tailored training programs to prevent injuries and optimize performance. Collaborating with Blondin and Weidemann, Maltais is focused on strategic adjustments to enhance their competitiveness, aiming for success in the team pursuit event and individual races.
As they prepare for the Olympic Games, the Canadian team is strategically managing their training approach, prioritizing peak performance for the main event. With a clear focus on the upcoming Olympics, athletes like Blondin are balancing training commitments to ensure they are at their best when it matters most.
For comprehensive details on speed skating event schedules and viewing options, viewers can refer to the CBC Sports broadcast schedule.