Ivanie Blondin

Ottawa’s Own Speed Skating World Champion chats record-setting season.

Ivanie Blondin is one of Ottawa’s own Olympians and decorated World Cup Champions in International Speed Skating. She has had a tremendous 2019-2020 season, setting four new personal records and becoming one of only five Canadians to ever reach the podium at the World Cup, grabbing a gold medal in women’s mass start, single distance and finishing 2nd overall. Given the upward swing of her season this year, it’s hard to believe that Blondin ever thought her career on the ice had peaked after competing at Pyeongchang in 2018. Fighting a battle with depression that affected her performance on the track, she found her stride once again and has made headlines for winning gold across five different disciplines, something that has never been done before by any skater on the international circuit.

We caught up with Blondin to chat about her season’s success, her summer plans and her best advice.

You grew up in Ottawa. Tell us about your childhood, some of your favourite memories from Ottawa, and your favourite places to go in the city?

My favourite childhood memories growing up in Ottawa revolve around skating on outdoor rinks. My dad used to build a skating rink behind our house in the field between St Louis Drive and the St Louis residence. This is where I learned how to skate at the age of two. Grabbing a Beaver Tail on the Rideau Canal is always my number one recommendation for people who visit Ottawa during the winter.

You got into skating at a very early age. When did you discover your passion for speed skating?

I began skating when I was two and joined a learn to skate program shortly after. I started in figure skating but unfortunately I wasn’t very graceful and only wanted to go fast, so my figure skating coach at the time – Sheila – suggested that my parents put me in speed skating. I tried speed skating at the age of six and never looked back; the speed and competitive aspect of the sport really drove me to where I am today.

You were on the junior national team by age 14. What was it like for you as a teenager, balancing a demanding sports schedule with school and normal teenage life?

To be honest, I didn’t have much of a teenage life. My entire life was skating and training already by that point, and that was how I wanted it to be. I was so highly competitive that the fact I didn’t have a very big social life didn’t phase me. School always came somewhat easily to me; I wasn’t a straight A student, but I also never let my grades slip. I prioritized skating maybe a bit more though, as the talent was there and the results were also there. In your early 20s you faced some challenges as an athlete: five concussions in three years, and a mononucleosis diagnosis. Looking back on those times, how hard were those years for you and what do you think is an important thing to remember for anyone facing a challenge or setback in their career or life?

While those years were some of the hardest in my life, I feel they made me the athlete and person I am today. I learned from the hardship and grew to be stronger.

You’ve had an incredible season, taking home a World Cup title and becoming a 3x gold medalist, including your first 5km world cup win. How did it feel for you to see all of your hard work pay off this season?

This past season has been incredible. All the hard work that I put into this season made me feel accomplished again. I had a bit of an off year after the 2018 Olympic Games in PyeongChang, suffering from depression which affected my performances on the international circuit. I had wondered if I was over the peak of my career, though this past season confirmed that I am not yet there. Knowing I can continue on the upward path is such a satisfying feeling.

Looking back over the last two or three years, what is one accomplishment that you are extremely proud of?

One of my biggest accomplishments came in November of this past season during the 3rd and 4th World Cup events. I had a gold streak in five different disciplines – 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, Mass Start and Team Pursuit. This had never been done before by any skater on the international circuit and that is something I am extremely proud of.

Do you have any pre-race rituals? Favourite meals, songs, etc?

I don’t necessarily have any prerace rituals; my music playlist varies quite a bit as well. As for food, I do enjoy Shepherd’s Pie, or any kind of red meat really; preferably steak and potatoes. I like to keep myself calm and relaxed the night before a race, usually watching TV shows, sharpening my skates and keeping my mind busy with other things.

How do you stay active in quarantine? Any at-home fitness tips for this summer?

I’ve been passing the time by doing a lot of gardening and cooking. Those are two things I’ve always loved doing. Healthy, home-cooked meals are the best fuel for athletes. I’ve also been doing a lot of running with my dog Brooke; in the month of April we ran 163km! We are back at full training now, of course not as a group, but I am fortunate to be able to train with Brooke and my boyfriend Konrad Nagy who is also a speed skater competing for Hungary. Cycling, inline skating, running and imitation skating drills make up most of our training.

Ivanie as a young speed skater in Ottawa.

While those years were some of the hardest in my life, I feel they made me the athlete and person I am today. I learned from the hardship and grew to be stronger.

What about Netflix recommendations?

I’ve most recently watched Money Heist and Ozark and would highly recommend both!

You recently celebrated your 30th birthday. What advice do you have for anyone in their 20s?

Life’s too short to not take any chances; you should live your life to its fullest.

You have a long list of outdoor hobbies you enjoy. What’s something most people don’t know about you?

I have a love for the great outdoors and a huge soft spot for animals. We have Gizmo, our African grey parrot and Brooke our St. Bernard Pyrenees cross. Fostering animals with the Cochrane Humane Society has also helped me overcome my post-Olympic depression and get back on top of the podiums.

What’s next for you?

Hopefully returning back to the ice in the near future. I know this might be further away than expected, but dreams are what keep me alive! I have my eyes set on the 2022 Beijing Olympics, along with bringing home some hardware for our country.