Canada Wins Gold: Women’s Team Pursuit at 2026 Olympics

MILAN, Italy – Team Canada has once again proven its dominance on the long track, successfully defending its Olympic title in the women’s team pursuit at Milano Cortina 2026. The trio of Isabelle Weidemann, Valérie Maltais, and Ivanie Blondin clocked a time of 2:55.81, edging out the Netherlands by 0.96 seconds in a thrilling final on February 17, 2026.

This victory marks the second consecutive Olympic gold medal for the Canadian team, following their triumph at Beijing 2022. They become the first nation to achieve back-to-back Olympic wins in the event since Germany in 2006 and 2010. The win also represents Canada’s third gold medal of the Games, adding to victories by Mikaël Kingsbury in dual moguls and Megan Oldham in women’s big air, and bringing the country’s overall medal count to 12 (three gold, four silver, and five bronze).

The race unfolded with a familiar pattern for the Canadians. While not the fastest off the start, they steadily ramped up their speed, overtaking the Dutch by the fourth lap of the six-lap race. They continued to widen the gap with each subsequent split, demonstrating a strategic execution honed over years of competition. “We’re a little bit in shock,” Weidemann told CBC Sports. “We had two races today so we couldn’t look far ahead. After the semifinal we weren’t talking about silver. We’ve got a job to do, still.”

The path to the gold medal wasn’t without its challenges. Earlier in the day, Canada dispatched the United States in the semifinal with a commanding 4.22-second victory. Though the Americans initially took an early lead, the Canadians flawlessly executed their race plan, gaining momentum by the midway point. Their semifinal time of 2:55.92 was just 2.5 seconds off the Olympic record they set in Beijing.

A key element of Canada’s success lies in their strategic lineup. Throughout this season, the team has consistently deployed Isabelle Weidemann, standing over six feet tall, at the front of the formation. Her height and positioning provide a crucial draft for Maltais and Blondin, maximizing their efficiency and speed. This strategy, refined over time, has become a hallmark of their performance.

The foundation of this championship team was laid when Valérie Maltais transitioned from short track to long track speed skating ahead of the 2018-19 season. Since then, the trio has developed a strong on-ice chemistry, complemented by a dedication to staying connected off the ice. “We’re three very different individuals and different athletes,” Weidemann said in November, highlighting the importance of their ability to coalesce as a unit.

The Dutch team, the reigning world champions, put up a strong fight, leading by 0.75 seconds after two laps. However, the Canadians steadily closed the gap, taking the lead with two laps remaining and ultimately securing the victory. CBC Sports analyst Anastasia Bucsis noted that the Dutch team appeared to tire slightly towards the end, allowing Canada to capitalize and sprint to the finish.

“For them to do this on the biggest stage after [having] to figure out a few tactical changes, they never lost the faith,” Bucsis commented. “They were the best team today and are the greatest Canadian team pursuit [group] of all-time.”

In the bronze medal race, Japan secured the third spot on the podium with a time of 2:58.50, defeating the United States (3:02.00). Miho Takagi, a prominent figure in Japanese middle-distance skating, expressed satisfaction with her team’s performance, acknowledging their relentless effort and determination. “I honestly feel very happy,” Takagi told reporters. “Until the very end, we never gave up fighting and we challenged ourselves, and I think this medal is the result of that.”

Canada’s success in the women’s team pursuit is a testament to their strategic approach, unwavering teamwork, and dedication to continuous improvement. Having also secured a victory and two silver medals in team pursuit events on the World Cup circuit this season, including a gold medal in Hamar, Norway, in December 2025, the team has demonstrated consistent excellence on the international stage.

Valérie Maltais also added to Canada’s medal haul earlier in the Games, claiming bronze in the women’s 3,000 metres. Both she and Ivanie Blondin remain medal contenders in the upcoming mass start event, further solidifying Canada’s presence in the speed skating competition at Milano Cortina 2026.