Canadian speed skater Weidemann wins bronze at Beijing World Cup

Canadian speed skater Isabelle Weidemann had a strong performance at the World Cup in Beijing, securing a bronze medal in the women’s 3,000-metre event. Weidemann, who hails from Ottawa, posted a time of four minutes and 2.02 seconds, marking her fastest race of the season.

This achievement comes on the heels of Weidemann’s Olympic bronze win at the same venue during the 2022 Beijing Games. The 29-year-old continues to showcase her talent and determination on the ice.

In Saturday’s race, Joy Beune of the Netherlands claimed silver, while Norway’s Ragne Wiklund took home the gold with an impressive time of 4:00.10. Weidemann’s podium finish adds to her growing list of accomplishments in the sport.

Fellow Canadians also had notable performances in Beijing. Ivanie Blondin, another Ottawa native, finished eighth in the race, while Valerie Maltais of La Baie, Quebec, crossed the finish line in 10th place. The Canadian athletes demonstrated their skill and competitiveness on the international stage.

On the men’s side, Graeme Fish of Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, secured a seventh-place finish in the 5,000-metre event. Ted-Jan Bloemen from Calgary followed closely behind, finishing ninth in a strong field of competitors.

As the World Cup series continues, speed skating fans can look forward to upcoming events in Calgary, Milwaukee, Zakopane, and Heerenveen. The World single distance championships in Hamar, Norway, are also on the horizon, offering more opportunities for athletes to showcase their talents and compete at the highest level.

Overall, Weidemann’s bronze medal and the performances of her Canadian teammates highlight the depth and talent within the country’s speed skating program. With more exciting races and competitions on the horizon, the future looks bright for Canadian speed skating.