Valérie Maltais is gearing up for her fifth Olympic appearance with a strong start to the World Cup season. The 35-year-old speed skater from La Baie, Que., achieved her best result in the 3,000 meters, securing a silver medal in Salt Lake City. Following another silver in the women’s mass start and a team pursuit silver, Maltais is looking to maintain her momentum in the upcoming 3k race in Calgary.

Excited about the race in Calgary, Maltais emphasized the importance of executing her plan effectively. She expressed her focus on technical and tactical alignment to deliver a successful performance, similar to her recent achievements.

Calgary marks the second stop in the World Cup series, with 27 Canadians competing for medals and Olympic qualification in Milan and Cortina, Italy. In the previous season, Canadians clinched 16 medals, including two gold, eight silver, and six bronze across six World Cup events.

Maltais stands out as the only Canadian speedskater to win Olympic medals in both short track and long track events. Transitioning to long track in 2019, she, along with Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann, secured team pursuit gold in Beijing in 2022.

Maintaining her competitive edge, Maltais attributes her peak performance to advanced training technology and improved athlete support systems. She highlighted the significance of access to a sport physiologist, emphasizing the tailored training approach that has contributed to her success.

Teaming up with Blondin and Weidemann, Maltais is aiming for strong performances in the upcoming events. The trio has adopted new strategies to enhance their competitiveness, showcasing their determination to excel on the international stage.

Looking ahead to the Olympic Games, the Canadian athletes are strategically planning their training schedules, focusing on peaking at the right moment for the ultimate competition. The goal remains to deliver top performances when it matters most.