Valérie Maltais is showcasing impressive form as she gears up for her fifth Olympic appearance. The 35-year-old speed skater from La Baie, Quebec, started the World Cup season with a personal best in the 3,000 meters, securing 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 looking to maintain her momentum for the upcoming 3k race in Calgary.
Excited about the race in Calgary, Maltais emphasized the importance of executing her planned strategy flawlessly and aligning her physical and technical aspects. Having achieved her goal last week, she remains focused on execution.
Calgary marks the second stop among five in the World Cup series this season. Maltais is one of 27 Canadian athletes competing for medals and Olympic qualification for the upcoming Winter Games in Milan and Cortina, Italy. In the previous season, Canadians secured a total of 16 medals, including two gold, eight silver, and six bronze, across six World Cup events.
Noteworthy is Maltais’ unique feat of winning Olympic medals in both short track and long track speed skating. After transitioning to long track in 2019, Maltais, along with Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, clinched team pursuit gold in Beijing in 2022. She joins a select group of Canadian athletes from the 2010 Vancouver and Whistler Olympics who continue to compete, underscoring the value of experience in her sporting journey.
Reflecting on her current peak performance, Maltais credits advancements in training technology and athlete support for her success. Married to Olympic speed skater Jordan Belchos, Maltais acknowledges the pivotal role of a sport physiologist in optimizing her training regimen and preventing injuries, enabling her to compete at the highest level.
Teaming up with Ottawa’s Blondin and Weidemann, the trio is implementing new tactics in pursuit of podium finishes. With a focus on the Olympic Games, the athletes are strategically navigating the World Cup events to be at their peak performance levels when it matters most.
As the speed skating season unfolds, fans can catch the action by referring to the CBC Sports broadcast schedule for event details and viewing options.