FIRST MEDAL FOR CANADA AT MILANO CORTINA 2026

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Valerie Maltais, in an outstanding performance, won the bronze medal in the women’s 3000m speed skating event, becoming the first athlete from her country and continent to reach the podium at these Winter Olympics in Italy.

First day of official competition. First day with medals up for grabs, and the host country is leading the medal table with three medals, one of each color.

From our continent, only one country has made an appearance so far. Canada, which won its first medal of the Olympic Games on Saturday.

The gold medalist in Beijing 2022 in team pursuit speed skating and silver medalist in Sochi 2014, Valerie Maltais, added another medal to her record.

In the 3000 meters, she took third place and the bronze medal, completing the competition with a time of 3:56.93.

In first place was Italy’s Francesca Llollobrigida, who won with a new Olympic record of 3:54.28. In second place was Norway’s Ragne Wiklund with a time of 3:56.54.

“It wasn’t easy. It was a real challenge. We gave it our all, and that was the motto for this season. We gave it our all and there is no status quo. We are taking a risk, but I had people around me who were very smart and made me feel comfortable, because being uncomfortable made me improve,” said the Canadian at the end of the competition.