Canadian Speedskater Ivanie Blondin Claims Olympic Silver in Chaotic Mass Start Event
MILAN — Canadian speedskater Ivanie Blondin has captured a silver medal in the mass start finals at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, securing her second Olympic medal during the prestigious international competition. The achievement came on Saturday as Blondin demonstrated exceptional skill in one of speedskating's most demanding disciplines.
The Unpredictable Nature of Mass Start Racing
Mass start finals represent some of the most difficult, chaotic, and unpredictable events in long-track speedskating. With sixteen skaters lining up at the start, each athlete must navigate through the crowded field while completing sixteen grueling laps to reach the finish line first.
"Tactically it's very difficult," Blondin explained in an interview last week. "There are numerous variables at play. Similar to short-track events, certain situations can develop that are beyond an athlete's control. You must anticipate the unexpected and trust your instincts."
Blondin noted that both she and teammate Valérie Maltais have previous short-track experience, which provides valuable insight for maneuvering through the pack and determining optimal moments to make strategic moves during races.
"There's occasionally some hair-pulling involved," Blondin humorously described the intense competition.
Canadian Performance Across Events
In the men's semifinals, Canadian speedskater Antoine Gélinas-Beaulieu executed a strategic race by maintaining a middle position within the pack for most of the competition before gradually advancing forward. His decisive surge during the final laps secured him a first-place finish in his heat.
Meanwhile, fellow Canadian Daniel Hall, competing in his first Olympic Games, did not qualify for the finals despite his efforts.
The mass start event continues to challenge athletes with its unique combination of endurance, strategy, and adaptability, requiring competitors to balance individual performance with constant awareness of their opponents' positioning and tactics.
