Mother of Skater Valérie Maltais Expects Best Performance at Upcoming Games
Valérie Maltais, a seasoned speed skater from La Baie, Saguenay, is poised for an exciting performance in the upcoming Olympic Games. With her eyes set on the 3000-meter long-track event, expectations are high for this seasoned athlete.
Family Support as Key Motivation
Valérie’s parents are set to spend 17 days in Milan to witness her compete in what will be her fifth Olympic appearance. Her mother, Martine Simard, expressed her hopes, stating, “She openly said she wanted a medal there.”
Valérie’s Impressive Track Record
- Valérie Maltais secured a silver medal in short track at the Sochi Games.
- She won gold in team pursuit in long track at the Olympics in China four years ago.
- At 35, she has consistently reached the podium on the international stage.
The family is filled with pride and excitement. Martine described the anticipation, saying, “We are starting to feel quite anxious. It’s exceptional.” Valérie aims for her first individual medal, a goal she has long desired.
Dedication and Hard Work
Her father, Gérald Maltais, highlighted Valérie’s determination, stating, “If it’s just to participate in the Olympics, she wouldn’t do it. She wants that individual medal.” To enhance her endurance, Valérie has cycled over 12,000 kilometers this year. “She wants to perform her best,” Martine added.
Community Support and Expectations
The support from her region and all of Québec is palpable. Gérald noted, “We truly feel that the region is behind her. We wish for her medal.” Interestingly, the Maltais parents never discuss specific medal goals with Valérie to avoid adding pressure.
Peace of Mind Before the Games
As the competitions draw near, both parents find themselves managing their nerves. Martine mentioned, “Sometimes when I talked too much about it, I felt stomach pains.” Meanwhile, Gérald employs a different strategy, saying, “I try to avoid discussing it at night because I don’t sleep well.”
Looking Ahead to 2026
The upcoming Olympic Games could culminate in a significant career milestone for Valérie. Regardless of the outcome, her mother believes, “Any color will feel like gold to her.” It appears that these will be Valérie Maltais’s last Olympic Games, adding an emotional weight to her performance.
