At the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan/Cortina d’Ampezzo, Valerie Maltais of La Baie, Quebec will be looking to win an Olympic medal at her third Olympic Winter Games. She previously won a silver medal in the women’s 3000 metre short track speed skating relay at the 2014 Olympics Winter Games in Sochi and a gold medal in the women’s team pursuit in long track speed skating at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. During the Speed Skating World Cup at Calgary’s Olympic Oval this past fall, I had the opportunity to interview Maltais. Here is my interview.
Q: You won five medals in the first two World Cups of the season. What does that feel like?
A: “That’s right. I’m really excited. I think we are on the right path. I think the summer (in terms of training) went really well. We are obviously still training during the World Cup season. The goal is to peak and be at our best in Milan.”
Q: When people say you are the complete speed skater in Canadian history, I am talking about short track and long track, what is your reaction?
A: “I think I am grateful for that. I think it touches me a little bit that you are telling me that. What keeps me going is the passion for sport. I love competition. I love and appreciate the other skaters. I love that everyone is pushing themselves, and giving their best out there. Everyone wants to be faster than the other one. This is my 20th year on the national team, and you become a little bit of an addict. You want this. You want to feel these races. When you feel good, everything aligns. When you take time to enjoy these moments, I think that is what keeps us going.”
Q: In your opinion, what are the strengths that Ivanie Blondin and Isabelle Weidemann bring to the table in the women’s team pursuit?
A: “That’s easy. You can predict where Izzy is going to put her strides. Ivanie is very adaptable. When she is at the back, she can adapt where to push and when to push.”
Q: Have you set any individual goals so far?
A: “Absolutely. I’m aiming for an individual podium at the Olympics. A medal in the women’s 3000 metres is my main goal. We want to defend our Olympic title in the team pursuit. We want to give our best race and give our best battle. I think that’s our definition of defending our Olympic title.”