Canada's long-track speedskating team is set to make its mark at the upcoming 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, with a roster heavily featuring seasoned veterans. The team announcement, made public on January 15, 2026, highlights the strategic reliance on experienced athletes to lead the charge for podium finishes.
Experience Takes the Lead
The core of the women's team pursuit squad exemplifies this veteran strategy. Valerie Maltais, Ivanie Blondin, and Beatrice Lamarche are poised to bring their collective experience and recent World Cup form to the Olympic stage. The trio was last seen competing together at a World Cup event in Salt Lake City on November 16, 2025, showcasing their synchronized power and tactical prowess.
This selection underscores Speed Skating Canada's confidence in athletes who have proven themselves under international pressure. The move to build the team around such established skaters is seen as a calculated effort to maximize Canada's medal potential in the fiercely competitive long-track events.
The Road to Milan-Cortina
The official team announcement marks a critical milestone in the final preparation phase for the Games. With the opening ceremony on the horizon, these athletes will enter an intensified training and competition schedule designed to peak at the right moment.
The selection of veterans like Maltais and Blondin, who have multiple Olympic appearances, is expected to provide stability and leadership within the team environment. Their experience in handling the unique pressures of the Olympic Games is considered an invaluable asset for the entire Canadian contingent.
Building on a Legacy
Canada has a storied history in long-track speedskating, and the 2026 team aims to add a new chapter. By placing trust in a cadre of veteran skaters, the national federation is betting on consistency and big-race temperament.
The team's composition suggests a focus on events where experience in pacing and race strategy is paramount, such as the team pursuit and mass start events. As the countdown to the Milan-Cortina Games continues, all eyes will be on these veteran leaders to set the tone and pace for Team Canada on the Olympic ice.
