Valérie Maltais, a Canadian speed skater, made history by securing Team Canada's first medal at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games. On February 7, 2026, she claimed the bronze in the women's 3000m at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, clocking an impressive 3:56.93. This achievement marks a significant milestone for Maltais, as it is her first individual Olympic medal.
Maltais' performance was particularly noteworthy given the competition. She skated in the third-to-last pairing, sharing the ice with Italy's Francesca Lollobrigida. With the home crowd cheering her on, Lollobrigida set an Olympic record time of 3:54.28, securing the gold medal. Maltais, however, matched the previous Olympic record set at Beijing 2022, finishing just 0.35 seconds behind Lollobrigida. In the next pairing, Ragne Wiklund of Norway narrowly edged out Maltais for the silver medal, recording a time of 3:56.54.
This victory is particularly special for Maltais, as it follows her success in the women's team pursuit at Beijing 2022, where she won gold alongside Isabelle Weidemann and Ivanie Blondin. Maltais' medal tally also includes a silver medal from the women's 3000m relay in short track speed skating at Sochi 2014. She became the first Canadian speed skater to win Olympic medals in both long track and short track disciplines.
Canada's performance in the women's 3000m has been remarkable, as this medal marks the country's fifth Olympic medal in this event. The previous four medals were all bronzes, with Cindy Klassen claiming two at Salt Lake City 2002 and Turin 2006, followed by Kristina Groves at Vancouver 2010 and Weidemann at Beijing 2022. On Saturday, Weidemann finished fifth with a time of 3:59.24, further highlighting the strength of Canadian women's speed skating.
Maltais' achievement not only cements her place in Canadian sporting history but also inspires future generations of athletes. Her success in a highly competitive event showcases the dedication and talent of Canadian athletes, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's sporting legacy.
