After months of speculation it’s now official. The Sotchi olympics’ medalist and olympic record holder on 1000m in short track, Valérie Maltais, switches to the 400m oval to open a new chapter of her career in long track.
By Carl Savard
Photos by Oscar van den Bosch
It’s not the first time that a skater decides to make the switch from short track to long track. Great athletes like Gaétan Boucher, Bonnie Blair, Shani Davis and Jorien ter Mors had a lot of success doing so. Not too long ago, Canada’s Olivier Jean also joined the long track team with success winning a bronze medal in the mass start event at the World championships in 2017.
Update 2018-08-28
I just hung up the phone with Valérie Maltais. Here are more details about her new endeavour:
Did you try long track in the past?
"I did in 1999 with the Quebec circuit but it was pretty much short track on a 400m oval. I had long track boots made last season and went on the ice in Calgary but didn't train. I just skated."
Were you thinking about this switch a while ago or was it recent?
"It was recent, although I've always been interested in watching it. At the Vancouver Olympics I was present at the team pursuit event when Canada won the gold medal and thought it was a awesome. Last season, someone asked me if I was retring after Pyeongchang and I said 'No but I may try long track' and the word got out."
In the last year and a half it seemed to me like you were more relaxed on the ice. Am I right?
"In my life in general I was more relaxed. I felt like I was more in control over all the aspects of my life on and off the ice. I wanted to give a 100% but was able to accept that some days it doesn't go 100%. I arrived at the Olympics and I felt so ready. I was like 'Bring it on!' but then I turned an ankle and wasn't able to perform like I thought I could, but you have to move on."
Do you have an idea of which distances you think you are going to concentrate on?
"I'm training with the medium/long distances group right now so I'm thinking about 1500m, 3000m. I will eventually try the mass start also. With the quality I developped in short track and inline, I won't be intimidated by the fact that you skate in a pack."
Do you see this as a way to continue your career or does it feels like a new challenge for you?
"I see this as a new challenge. A new beginning. The idea of stretching my career just because the possibilty is there is not something that aligns with my values. My parents always told me that I should put all my heart into what I do and not think about the financial aspect of it and I could not continue if it was just to go through the motion. I need to be passionate and have fun."
Valérie Maltais is leaving for Calgary tomorrow to start this new adventure.
"I am happy to announce that I am officially switching to long track speed skating. After 3 Olympic cycles in short track speed skating, this new endeavor is providing me with a fresh start.
I have been training this past summer with the long track national team with the hopes of joining their ranks and I continue to work toward this goal.
I would like to thank my short track teammeates, with whom I have shared so many unforgettable moments. Thank you, as well, to my coaches, integrated support team and to the members of Speed Skating Canada who have facilitated my transition.
I am taking this next step in my athletic career with the belief that I have given everything I can to short track speed skating. I am turning the page with much nostagia but also, much serenity. I'm excited to begin this new chapter with a dynamic and motivated team!"
Update 2018-08-28
I just hung up the phone with Valérie Maltais. Here are more details about her new endeavour:
Did you try long track in the past?
"I did in 1999 with the Quebec circuit but it was pretty much short track on a 400m oval. I had long track boots made last season and went on the ice in Calgary but didn't train. I just skated."
Were you thinking about this switch a while ago or was it recent?
"It was recent, although I've always been interested in watching it. At the Vancouver Olympics I was present at the team pursuit event when Canada won the gold medal and thought it was a awesome. Last season, someone asked me if I was retring after Pyeongchang and I said 'No but I may try long track' and the word got out."
In the last year and a half it seemed to me like you were more relaxed on the ice. Am I right?
"In my life in general I was more relaxed. I felt like I was more in control over all the aspects of my life on and off the ice. I wanted to give a 100% but was able to accept that some days it doesn't go 100%. I arrived at the Olympics and I felt so ready. I was like 'Bring it on!' but then I turned an ankle and wasn't able to perform like I thought I could, but you have to move on."
Do you have an idea of which distances you think you are going to concentrate on?
"I'm training with the medium/long distances group right now so I'm thinking about 1500m, 3000m. I will eventually try the mass start also. With the quality I developped in short track and inline, I won't be intimidated by the fact that you skate in a pack."
Do you see this as a way to continue your career or does it feels like a new challenge for you?
"I see this as a new challenge. A new beginning. The idea of stretching my career just because the possibilty is there is not something that aligns with my values. My parents always told me that I should put all my heart into what I do and not think about the financial aspect of it and I could not continue if it was just to go through the motion. I need to be passionate and have fun."
Valérie Maltais is leaving for Calgary tomorrow to start this new adventure.
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