Canada’s Maltais Skates to Bronze, Signaling a Strong Start for Canadian Speed Skating
MILAN – Canada has secured its first medal at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics, thanks to Valérie Maltais of La Baie, Que., who claimed bronze in the women’s 3,000-metre speedskating event on Saturday. Her time of 3:56.93 seconds marks a significant achievement and sets a positive tone for the Canadian team’s performance in speed skating.
Italy’s Golden Run and Canada’s Speed Skating Legacy
The event saw a dominant performance from Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida, who clinched gold with an Olympic-record time of 3:54.28. Norway’s Ragne Wiklund secured silver with a time of 3:56.54. Maltais’s bronze adds to a growing list of accomplishments for Canadian speed skaters.
Maltais’s medal represents a unique achievement, making her the first Canadian speed skater to win Olympic medals in both long track and short track disciplines. She previously won gold in the women’s team pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Games alongside Isabelle Weidemann and Ivanie Blondin, and a silver medal in the women’s 3,000-metre relay in short track at the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
Canadian Performances and Future Prospects
Isabelle Weidemann, a bronze medalist in the same event at the 2022 Beijing Games, finished fifth in Saturday’s race. Laura Hall of Salmon Arm, B.C., made her Olympic debut, finishing 13th with a time of 4:06.13.
Watch related videos from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics:
The Unique Opening Ceremony and Canada’s Broad Olympic Presence
Canada’s participation in the Milan Cortina Games began with a unique opening ceremony held across four different locations in northern Italy on Friday night. Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson, both Olympic gold medalists, carried the Canadian flag in Livigno, while approximately 50 members of the delegation marched into the Milano San Siro Olympic Stadium.
Canada’s Curling Team Faces Early Challenge
Despite the success in speed skating, Canada’s mixed doubles curling team faced a setback, losing 7-5 to the American duo of Korey Dropkin and Cory Thiesse on Friday morning.
FAQ: Canada at the Milan Cortina 2026 Olympics
- How many medals is Canada predicted to win? The Canadian Press forecasts 26 medals for Canada at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games.
- Where did the opening ceremony take place? The opening ceremony was held at four different locations across northern Italy.
- Who carried the Canadian flag? Mikaël Kingsbury and Marielle Thompson carried the Canadian flag in Livigno.
