Canadian speed skater Ivanie Blondin celebrated a memorable victory in the World Cup mass start event on Sunday, marking her final win on home soil before retirement. The 35-year-old athlete received an enthusiastic response from the crowd at Calgary’s Olympic Oval as she surged ahead in the thrilling final sprint of the long-track race.
Blondin, a silver medallist at the 2022 Olympics, expressed her emotional connection to the event, acknowledging the support from her family, sponsors, and friends who were present. With nearly half of her life spent training at the Oval, Blondin’s win held special significance for her.
Having accumulated a total of 88 World Cup medals, including 11 golds in mass start, Blondin’s experience and skill were evident in the 16-lap race characterized by strategic passing and physical contact similar to short track speed skating. Her Canadian teammate Valérie Maltais, also with a short track background, finished fourth in Sunday’s competition.
The Dutch and American athletes claimed notable positions in the event, with Marijke Groenewoud of the Netherlands securing second place and Mia Manganello of the United States narrowly edging out Maltais for third. Meanwhile, Ottawa’s Blondin, along with Isabelle Weidemann and Maltais, clinched silver in the women’s team pursuit, following the Netherlands in the final standings.
The Canadian team’s strong performance in the World Cup included a total of four medals, highlighting their preparations for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina. Maltais and Calgary’s Ted-Jan Bloemen contributed to the medal tally with impressive performances in their respective events.
As the season progresses, the Canadian speed skaters aim to maintain their momentum in the upcoming World Cup events in Europe. Blondin’s final victory on home ice serves as a fitting tribute to her illustrious career, leaving a lasting impact on the sport she has dedicated herself to for many years.