Canada’s Long Track Speed Skating Team Prepares for Milan Cortina 2026

As the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina approach, Canada’s long track speed skating team is poised to compete with a blend of experienced veterans and promising newcomers. The roster features 15 athletes, including eight women and seven men, with notable participants such as Isabelle Weidemann, Ivanie Blondin, and Valérie Maltais leading the charge in the women's team pursuit. Weidemann, a 30-year-old from Ottawa and the flag-bearer for Canada at the 2022 Beijing Games, aims to take on a leadership role, emphasizing the importance of supporting younger athletes.

Veteran skaters lead Canada’s long-track speedskating team into Milan CortinaCarolina Hiller-Donnelly

Weidemann, Maltais, and Blondin have demonstrated strong performances leading into the Games, collectively earning eight individual World Cup medals this season, including four silver and three bronze. Maltais, competing in her fifth Olympics, expressed her excitement and emotional connection to representing Canada, stating, “I still feel excited, possibly more than before my first Games.”

The men's team is led by Olympic medallists Ted-Jan Bloemen and Laurent Dubreuil, both of whom have significant experience and success on the World Cup circuit. Bloemen, a former world record holder, won gold in the 10,000m and silver in the 5,000m at the 2018 Pyeongchang Games. Dubreuil, who has over 50 World Cup medals, is focused on delivering his best performance, stating, “I still feel on top of [my] game and I still believe in my [medal] chances.”

Among the newcomers is Carolina Hiller-Donnelly, who is set to make her Olympic debut. Hiller-Donnelly has shown remarkable resilience, overcoming challenges to secure her place on the national team. She won gold in the team sprint at the 2025 ISU Four Continents Championships and aims to honor her late mother, who inspired her to pursue speed skating.

Carolina Hiller-Donnelly

Jennifer Heil, Canada’s chef de mission for Milan Cortina, praised the athletes' combination of speed, technique, and mental toughness, stating, “[This year’s] athletes combine explosive speed, precise technique and mental toughness, allowing them to dominate every stride on the international long track rink.”

While the team is optimistic, some critics question the pressure on veteran athletes like Weidemann and Maltais, who may face heightened expectations after their previous successes. However, both athletes have expressed a desire to enjoy the experience and focus on personal performance rather than solely on medal counts.

The first long track medal race for women is scheduled for February 7, 2026, just after the opening ceremonies. The Canadian team is eager to build on their previous successes and aims to improve upon their five-medal haul from the Beijing Games.

• “I’m approaching these Games with a veteran’s mindset.” — Isabelle Weidemann, Olympic Speed Skater

• “Representing Canada for the fifth time at the Olympic Games is not something I could have believed possible,” — Valérie Maltais, Olympic Speed Skater

• “If I've done that, then I can be satisfied.” — Ted-Jan Bloemen, Olympic Speed Skater

Veteran skaters lead Canada’s long-track speedskating team into Milan Cortina

• “You are going to the Olympics” — Carolina Hiller-Donnelly, reflecting on her mother’s encouragement.

Carolina Hiller-Donnelly