Canadian speed skater Isabelle Weidemann draws inspiration from her childhood self as she prepares for Milano Cortina 2026.
Three-time Olympic medalist Isabelle Weidemann is taking a deeply personal approach to her preparation for the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina. The Canadian speed skater revealed she channels the courage of her younger self - "little Izzy" - as motivation for the upcoming Games.
"When I go to the line I want to go and be brave and give myself a chance. And I also think about her. She's so little," Weidemann explained while reflecting on childhood photos of herself speed skating at age 11.
The 28-year-old from Ottawa has transformed her training environment in Calgary into a visual reminder of her journey, covering her space with family photos and mementos. Her siblings Jake and Lily, both living in Calgary, play crucial roles in her preparation, with brother Jake serving as her daily training partner.
Team Canada's Courage Symbol
Weidemann draws additional strength from Team Canada's traveling flag, which features five meaningful words including "courage." This symbol serves as a constant reminder of the values she wants to embody when competing on the world's biggest stage.
"We have five words written on the flag. One of them is courage. And I don't know I always really like yeah to be reminded of that," she shared.
Speed SkatingJordan Stolz: Olympic pressure just another race environmentLearning from Beijing 2022 Experience
The Beijing 2022 Olympics, where Weidemann captured two silver medals and one bronze, passed by in a blur. This time around, she's determined to be more present and fully experience the Olympic atmosphere.
"I feel like I didn't really get to experience the games last time. Went by so quickly. I want to come away from them being like wow I was really there competing," Weidemann reflected.
Her training routine extends beyond the ice, incorporating mountain biking and running sessions with her dog, who has become an integral part of her athletic journey. The personal touches in her preparation highlight how elite athletes often find strength in the simplest, most meaningful connections to their past and support systems.
