Ivanie Blondin has once again secured her place on the Olympic podium, winning silver in the women's mass start at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. This achievement marks her second consecutive Olympic silver in this event, showcasing her consistent performance in speedskating competitions.
Earlier in the Games, Blondin had already made headlines when she collaborated with teammates Isabelle Weidemann and Valerie Maltais to clinch a spectacular gold medal in team pursuit. This victory contributed to Canada's impressive medal tally at the Olympics, which now stands at a total of 19 medals: four gold, six silver, and nine bronze. With only one day remaining in the competition, the Canadian team hopes to add to this remarkable haul.
During the mass start event, Blondin demonstrated her exceptional skill and strategic racing ability. In a thrilling late dash for the finish line, she managed to break away from the competitive pack, ultimately securing second place, just behind the reigning world champion, Marijke Groenewoud from the Netherlands. The bronze medal in this event went to Mia Manganello from the United States, who also put forth a commendable performance.
Despite her strong showing, teammate Valerie Maltais encountered challenges in the mass start. After battling back from an early fall, she finished in fifth place, narrowly missing out on her fourth medal at these Games. This highlights the unpredictable nature of competitive sports, where even the most skilled athletes can face unforeseen hurdles.
At 35 years old, Ivanie Blondin has established herself as one of Canada's top speedskaters since making her Olympic debut in 2014. Over the years, she has accumulated an impressive tally of five gold medals at world championships, with two of those victories coming in the mass start event. Her enduring success at such a high level of competition is a testament to her talent and dedication to the sport.
In a parallel event, the men's mass start saw a remarkable performance from 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands, who won the gold medal. His strategy involved taking a commanding lead early on, allowing him to glide to victory while celebrating his achievement as he crossed the finish line. On the Canadian side, athlete Antoine Gelinas-Beaulieu finished in sixth place, representing his country with pride in this demanding event.
As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics draw to a close, the achievements of athletes like Ivanie Blondin and her teammates are a source of inspiration. Their performances not only contribute to Canada's medal count but also highlight the resilience and spirit of athletes competing on the world's biggest stage.
