Ted-Jan Bloemen, a 39-year-old Canadian speed skater, is determined to make the most of his final season in the sport. After securing Olympic gold and silver medals in 2018, Bloemen expressed his desire to leave no room for regrets as he competes in his last races. During the World Cup racing event in Calgary, Bloemen set a new record in the men’s 5,000 meters, surpassing an 18-year-old record held by Sven Kramer. Despite his achievement, Bloemen was eventually overtaken by Norway’s Sander Eitrem and American skater Casey Dawson, finishing third in the event.
Bloemen, who relocated from the Netherlands to Canada in 2014, had a successful run at the 2018 Olympic Games, clinching gold in the men’s 10,000 meters and silver in the 5,000 meters. However, he faced challenges in the previous season, failing to reach the podium in World Cup and world championship competitions. Determined to bounce back, Bloemen dedicated himself to intense training and showcased his resurgence by claiming a bronze medal in the recent race.
In another impressive performance, Canadian speed skater Valérie Maltais secured a bronze medal in the women’s 3,000 meters at the same event. Maltais, who had earlier won a silver medal in Salt Lake City, set a personal best time of 3:56.45 in Calgary. She faced stiff competition from Dutch and Norwegian skaters but managed to hold off her Canadian teammate Isabelle Weidemann, who finished fourth in the race.
Maltais’ success marked her fourth World Cup medal of the season, demonstrating her consistent performance. Along with Weidemann and Ivanie Blondin, Maltais will participate in the team pursuit event and the women’s mass start, aiming to continue their strong showing in the competition. The ongoing long track World Cup season can be streamed live on CBCSports.ca and CBC Gem, providing viewers with access to thrilling speed skating action.