Long Track Speed Skating: Valérie Maltais Wins Bronze in 3000 Meters

Valérie Maltais achieved a remarkable feat at the 2026 Winter Olympics held in Milan-Cortina. At 35 years old, she secured the bronze medal in the women’s 3000 meters long track speed skating event. This victory marked Canada’s first medal of the Games.

Overview of the 3000 Meters Event

Maltais competed against strong contenders, including the local favorite Francesca Lollobrigida from Italy. Lollobrigida set a new Olympic record by finishing the race in 3:54.28. Maltais completed her race in 3:56.93, showing impressive tenacity throughout.

Race Highlights

• Valérie Maltais clocked 3:56.93 to claim bronze.
• Francesca Lollobrigida won gold with a record-breaking time.
• Norway’s Ragne Wiklund secured silver with a time of 3:56.54.

During the initial stages of the race, Maltais managed to keep pace with Lollobrigida, even leading at times. However, as the race progressed, it became evident that she lacked the energy to maintain this pace, particularly in the final lap.

A Touching Moment

Upon learning that she had secured third place, Maltais was visibly emotional. The 3000 meters has always been her specialty, and this event represented her best opportunity for an Olympic podium finish in her final Olympic appearance. This medal marked her first individual Olympic medal in her illustrious career.

Strategic Approach

• Maltais expressed her intent prior to the event, emphasizing her goal of winning a medal.
• She had previously enjoyed success in the event, securing four podium finishes in five World Cup starts.

Participating in her fifth Olympics, Maltais joined an elite group among the Canadian delegation. In addition to the 3000 meters, she is set to compete in the team pursuit, where she won gold at the Beijing Olympics in 2022. She will also race in the 1500 meters and the mass start.

Comparative Achievements

Maltais follows in the footsteps of Isabelle Weidemann, who previously won a bronze medal in the same event during the Beijing Games. However, Weidemann struggled in this race, finishing in fifth place with a time of 3:59.24.

• Weidemann aimed for a strong performance, ranked second in the World Cup standings.
• Another Canadian participant, Laura Hall, finished 13th with a time of 4:06.13.

Final Standings in the 3000 Meters

Valérie Maltais’s bronze medal stands as a testament to her determination and skill in the sport of long track speed skating. Her journey continues as she aims for further success in her upcoming events.