Isabelle Weidemann Claims Silver in 3,000m at World Cup Today

UPDATE: Canadian speedskater Isabelle Weidemann stormed to a stunning silver medal in the women’s 3,000 metres at the World Cup in Hamar, Norway, today, marking her second individual distance medal of the season. Weidemann crossed the finish line with a time of 4:01.30, narrowly missing gold by just 0.35 seconds.

Weidemann, from Ottawa, initially struggled with a slow start but surged past her competitor, Ragne Wiklund of Norway, who finished in 4:01.41. The gold medal went to Marijke Groenewoud from the Netherlands, who clocked in at 4:00.95.

“I’ve skated against Ragne quite a bit this season and we’ve gone back and forth,” Weidemann stated after the race. “It takes me a while sometimes to find the right gear, but once I find the pace it seems to click, and that’s when others start to struggle.”

This impressive performance comes just a week after Weidemann secured her first medal of the season, a silver in the 5,000 metres. With this latest achievement, the 30-year-old now ranks second overall in the Olympic qualifying World Cups for women’s long distances, amassing 191 points, ahead of teammate Valérie Maltais, who has 174 points.

Maltais, competing alongside Weidemann, finished in fourth place with a time of 4:03.62, while fellow Canadian Ivanie Blondin came in tenth at 4:07.08.

Although official team nominations for the upcoming Milan Cortina Olympics won’t be announced until mid-January, Weidemann and Maltais’ strong performances today provide a significant boost to their Olympic aspirations, with their results effectively prequalifying them for the Games.

As the World Cup continues, all eyes will be on Weidemann as she prepares for her next challenge. Fans and followers eagerly await further updates on her journey towards Olympic glory.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published on December 13, 2025.