Canadian speed skater Ivanie Blondin, heading into her fourth Winter Olympics, remains a strong medal contender as she focuses on long-track events for the 2026 Milano Cortina Games.
Ottawa Sports Pages, Canada
Since winning a gold and silver medal at the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics, Ivanie Blondin has continued to perform at a high level, securing 12 World Cup medals during the 2022-23 season and multiple medals at the world single-distance championships. Despite briefly revisiting short-track speed skating in the 2023-24 season, Blondin ultimately refocused on long-track speed skating, where she has had extensive success throughout her career. This renewed focus comes ahead of her participation in the upcoming 2026 Winter Games in Italy, representing Canada on the national team.
Blondin’s short-track comeback in 2023 was a challenging experience as she found herself competing at age 33 against much younger athletes. While she did not qualify for the short-track national team, Blondin expressed motivation by being underestimated and emphasized that her participation was personally fulfilling. Ultimately, she decided to prioritize long-track speed skating events in preparation for the Milano Cortina Olympics.
A native of Gloucester, Ottawa, Blondin’s athletic versatility stems from a childhood engaged in multiple sports. Encouraged by her father, who built an outdoor skating rink at their home, she began skating at the age of two and also excelled in cross-country skiing and cycling during her youth. As a teenager, she transitioned from short-track speed skating to long-track, where she has enjoyed a sustained international career spanning more than 16 years.
Throughout her career, Blondin has amassed numerous accolades, including seven female athlete-of-the-year awards from the Ottawa Sports Awards and six Catriona Le May Doan Awards as Speed Skating Canada’s top female long-track athlete. She has earned more than 90 World Cup medals across seven disciplines and holds multiple titles from World Championships in mass start, team pursuit, and team sprint events. Her Olympic achievements include gold in the women’s team pursuit and silver in the mass start from the 2022 Games.
Known for her dedication and passion for speed skating, Blondin continues to train rigorously and contributes to Canada’s prominence in long-track speed skating. Her upcoming Olympic participation will mark her fourth Winter Games appearance, where she is expected to be a key Canadian competitor. Outside of competition, Blondin has engaged in initiatives supporting young athletes, including involvement with Farm Boy’s Feed the Dream program that offers grants to youth pursuing sporting goals.
Despite speed skating having less visibility in Canada compared to Europe, Blondin’s reputation abroad is quite strong, particularly in the Netherlands where she is highly regarded. Her father recalls the overwhelming appreciation she receives from fans during international events, underscoring her impact on the sport worldwide.
