Ivanie Blondin is almost at the end of her journey, at 33 years old. The more time passes, the less she wants to have regrets. That’s why she returns to her first love, short track speed skating, 13 years later.
Blondin had arrived the day before from Calgary when La Presse met her on Wednesday morning, just after her morning training on the Maurice-Richard arena oval. At the edge of the ice rink, she chatted with her coach Elizabeth Ward, bottle of water in hand.
If the Ottawan is passing through Montreal, it’s because she will take part in the Canadian short track tests this weekend. Used to skating on long track in Western Canada, Blondin is attempting a return to the world of short track.
“At first I took it with a grain of salt,” she says. In recent weeks, Blondin had cast doubt regarding a possible return by publishing certain photos on his social media. As if she needed to convince herself by launching her images into the universe. In reality, she herself was uncertain of her destiny.
As if by announcing it, she could finally move forward. ” I did not know what to do. I had no idea that I had to enter benchmark times, I didn’t know how the tests were going to work. Right now, on the ice, I’m still learning,” she suggests once in one of the corridors of the building.
She claims to have developed a great relationship with Marc Gagnon, today coach of the Canadian team. “I really clicked with Marc. »
Enough to be teased by the three-time Olympic champion. “Every time we met, he was a little silly. He told me that the door was always open if I wanted to come to the short track. It became a running gag, but I think there was truth behind it. »
This relentlessness will have had its effect. Blondin is officially returning to short track for the first time since 2010, after reaching national standards in Calgary.
“Tactics, rules, equipment and technique,” says coach Elizabeth Ward when asked what’s different between long and short track skating. Ultimately, they are two separate disciplines. Like alpine skiing and cross-country skiing, even if ultimately, these sports start from the same base.
The skater will also have to relearn how to manage her races. On the long track, in mass starts, it’s a bit like the Wild West. “There are no rules,” says Blondin.
“I’m used to really nudging, sometimes I grab girls and gargle them! It won’t work on short track. I can’t transfer my habits to short track, because I’m going to get kicked out of the arena! “, she pushes before bursting out laughing.
The fact remains that it will be a real adaptation, even if in the eyes of newbies, it only changes direction. If she does it, however, and she has given several interviews in the last few days, it is not necessarily to be highlighted at all costs, it is for her.
“I have nothing to lose right now. I already have my medals. And I like being underestimated. I’m motivated by that. […] I have nothing to prove to anyone. It’s for me,” continues the double Olympic medalist.
Ivanie Blondin is not giving up on the long track, however. Reigning world champion in the team pursuit and vice-champion in the mass start, she continues to emphasize the discipline that made her famous.
Three quarters of his training is devoted to his favorite discipline. The other quarter, in short track, “it’s mainly for technique”.
In its early days, Blondin was unable to turn due to the longer blades and closer walls.
“I’d say I’ve done around twenty short track workouts,” she says before being corrected by her coach: “Probably less. »
She does not have a specific objective for the next tests. “Right now, I’m taking it as it comes and we’ll see where it takes me. If it doesn’t work, it doesn’t work and I go back to long track at 100%. Now I want to do it for a whole year and see how far I can go. »
The Canadian would like to be able to qualify for World Cups next year. Because this season, “the chances are very, very, very small.” She would nevertheless like to experience the next Olympic Games, in 2026, by skating in both disciplines. What few skaters have done.
And if that wasn’t enough, she’s also considering a career in cycling. Blondin has already participated in the Canadian Road Championships in 2022. Like Clara Hughes, she would dream of taking part in the Summer and Winter Games in the same cycle.
“I have started talking with Cycling Canada, although it is premature, to try to qualify for the team pursuit on the track for the Games next summer. I know the end of my career is approaching. I am proud of what I have done in the past, but I need motivation. »
This motivation will undoubtedly be increased fivefold if she succeeds in securing a position on the national short track team this weekend. But at least she gives herself time, even if it is limited. She put down the hourglass momentarily while waiting to see what her future holds.
