Canada’s speed skating team, known for its remarkable success over the years, is gearing up for the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina 2026. With a rich history of 42 Olympic and over 150 world championship medals, the team carries high expectations into the competition.
Twenty years ago in Torino, Italy, Canadian speed skaters clinched eight medals, including five by the legendary Cindy Klassen. As the team heads to Milano-Cortina, fans wonder if they will witness a similar display of excellence.
In the current World Cup season, Canadian speed skaters have already secured 18 medals, comprising two gold, nine silver, and seven bronze. Their recent success includes dominating performances at the world single distance championships, with record medal hauls in 2023, 2024, and 2025.
The Netherlands, renowned for its speed skating heritage, is poised to field a strong team across all disciplines. At the previous Winter Olympics in Beijing, the Dutch athletes clinched 12 medals, half of them being gold.
One standout athlete to watch at Milano-Cortina is Jordan Stolz, a 21-year-old prodigy from Kewaskum, Wisconsin. Stolz is expected to vie for four individual gold medals in Italy, aiming to match the feat of American legend Eric Heiden, who won five individual golds in 1980.
The competition raises questions about the ice conditions at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, the first indoor temporary speed skating oval. Mark Messer, a seasoned ice maker with vast Olympic experience, has been entrusted with ensuring top-notch ice quality for the event.
Team Canada boasts a mix of veteran experience and promising talents. Ted-Jan Bloeman, at 39, remains a key member, aiming to add to his Olympic medal collection. Laurent Dubreuil, Valerie Maltais, Ivanie Blondin, Isabelle Weidemann, and other seasoned skaters are set to lead the team, supported by eight Olympic rookies.
Noteworthy is the presence of athletes with strong Olympic bloodlines, including Dubreuil, Lamarche, the Hall siblings, and Brunet. The team also includes individuals who have overcome personal challenges, such as Carolina Hiller-Donnelly and David La Rue, showcasing resilience and determination.
The Canadian speed skating team’s success is attributed in part to training facilities at the Olympic Oval in Calgary and the Centre de Glaces in Quebec City. These world-class centers have provided athletes with top-notch training environments, allowing them to pursue their Olympic dreams closer to home.
