Canadian skater Isabelle Weidemann claims silver medal in Norway World Cup

Ottawa's Isabelle Weidemann delivered a strong performance, securing a silver medal in the women's 3000m at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Hamar, Norway, on December 13, 2025. The 30-year-old three-time Olympic medallist clocked 4:01.30, edging out Norway's Ragne Wiklund (4:01.41) in a tight pairing while Netherlands' Marijke Groenewoud took gold in 4:00.95.

Weidemann overcame a slow start on the fast ice at Hamar's Vikingskipet oval, maintaining even lap splits to surge ahead of Wiklund in the final stages. She reflected post-race:“I’ve skated against Ragne quite a bit this season and we’ve gone back and forth… It takes me a while sometimes to find the right gear, but once I find the pace it seems to click”. Her controlled approach, trusting a deliberate strategy over early aggression, proved effective against a deep field.

Canadian team results

Valérie Maltais of La Baie, Quebec, finished fourth in 4:03.62, just off the podium, while Ivanie Blondin placed 10th at 4:07.08.


In other events, Béatrice Lamarche ranked 10th in the women's 1000m (1:16.35), 1.96 seconds behind race winner Japan's Miho Takagi, and Ted-Jan Bloemen took fifth in the men's 5000m.

Weidemann leads the women's long-distance standings with 191 points after four Olympic qualifying World Cups, ahead of Maltais at 174, positioning both for Milan Cortina 2026.

Season context and olympic path

Weidemann's consistent results bolster Canada's depth in endurance events, with official Olympic selections pending mid-January. The Hamar stop, on the historic Olympic venue, tested adaptability amid high competition. Her back-to-back silvers signal peak form heading into major championships.

FAQs on the Event and Performance

How close was the silver medal race?
Weidemann beat Wiklund by 0.11 seconds in their pairing, with gold just 0.35 seconds ahead, highlighting the precision needed in World Cup distance skating.

What does this mean for Olympic qualification?
Top World Cup points effectively prequalify Weidemann and Maltais for Milan Cortina, though Speed Skating Canada announces teams officially later.