The opening day of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics proved to be a momentous occasion for Canada, marked by a remarkable individual achievement in speed skating and a commanding victory in women’s hockey. Valérie Maltais secured Canada’s first medal of the Games with a stunning performance, while the women’s hockey team showcased their prowess with a decisive win over Switzerland, signalling a strong start to their gold medal defence.
Maltais Makes History
Valérie Maltais has reached yet another milestone in her illustrious career, clinching her first individual Olympic medal at the age of 35. The speed skater from La Baie, Quebec, who has previously earned gold and silver in team events, achieved a personal best time of 3:56.93 in the women’s 3,000-metre race. Competing alongside gold medallist Francesca Lollobrigida of Italy, Maltais not only secured her place on the podium but also made history as Canada’s first medallist at these Games.
Maltais’s journey to this point has been filled with dedication and resilience, having first won a national title back in 2009. Her achievement resonates beyond personal glory; it ignites a wave of enthusiasm for Canadian athletes competing in Milan Cortina.
Women’s Hockey Team Dominates
In the women’s hockey preliminary round, Canada began their campaign for a second consecutive Olympic gold with a convincing 4-0 victory over Switzerland. Power-play goals from Sarah Fillier, Natalie Spooner, and Julia Gosling, along with a goal from Darryl Watts at even strength, demonstrated the Canadians’ offensive strength. Claire Thompson stood out with two assists, contributing significantly to the team’s performance.
The Swiss team faced challenges leading up to the match, including a brief period of isolation due to a positive norovirus test among their players. However, they were cleared to compete, although this disruption may have impacted their readiness against a dominant Canadian side.
Figure Skating Team Prepares for Finals
Canada’s figure skating team is poised to make a strong impact in the team event finals, following an impressive showing in the men’s short program. Toronto’s Stephen Gogolev, making his Olympic debut, achieved a personal-best score of 92.99, finishing third. Later, Marjorie Lajoie and Zachary Lagha added to the excitement with a score of 120.90 in the free dance, also landing in third place.
Currently sitting in fourth overall with 35 points, Canada trails behind the United States (44), Japan (39), and Italy (37). As the finals approach, the pressure mounts, but the team’s current performances showcase their potential for podium finishes.
Celebrating Italian Triumphs
Day one of the Olympics also showcased impressive performances from the host nation. Francesca Lollobrigida’s victory in the women’s 3,000-metre speed skating event not only earned her gold but also set an Olympic record at 3:54.28, a fitting birthday gift on her 35th. In alpine skiing, Giovanni Franzoni secured silver in the men’s downhill, while Dominik Paris captured bronze, marking his first Olympic medal in a remarkable five appearances.
Why it Matters
The opening day of the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics highlights not only Canada’s athletic prowess but also serves as a reminder of the spirit of competition that unites nations. With Valérie Maltais’s historic medal and the women’s hockey team’s dominant performance, Canada is positioned as a formidable contender in these Games. As the competition unfolds, the achievements of these athletes inspire a nation, encapsulating the essence of Olympic spirit and the pursuit of excellence on an international stage.
