Ivanie Blondin grabs 2 speed skating medals for Canada at Four Continents

Ivanie Blondin helped Canada to a team sprint gold medal before picking up an individual bronze Friday as the season-opening ISU Four Continents speed skating championships opened in Hachinohe, Japan.

Ottawa's Blondin combined with Carolina Hiller of Prince George, B.C., and Beatrice Lamarche of Quebec City to win the women's team sprint in a track record time of one minute 27.87 seconds.

Lamarche used the slingshot technique to launch Blondin into the final lap, which helped the trio maintain their speed. While the move worked, Lamarche said it could be improved.

"The slingshot move felt better yesterday in practice, but it was not at high speed. Maybe we looked smooth, but I personally felt weird and rushed throughout the entire process," Lamarche said. "I'm excited to try it again during the World Cup in China because I think it can be better."

South Korea was 1.39 seconds off the pace for silver, while Kazakhstan was 2.49 seconds back of the winners to take bronze.

WATCH | Blondin helps Canadian women to team sprint gold medal:

Team Canada wins the women's team sprints at the ISU Four Continents

Later, the 34-year-old Blondin took bronze in the women's 1,500 metres with a time of 1:57.99.

"I feel pretty good about my 1,500," Blondin said. "I was not able to warm down following the team sprint as we went straight to the medal ceremony. By the time that was over I had to put my skin suit on and get back on the ice.

"I didn't have the pop that I normally would, but midway through the race I realized things were going well and my legs were actually feeling pretty decent," Blondin added. "I was happy with the end time."

WATCH | Blondin's legs felt 'decent' in 1,500-metre performance:

Ottawa's Ivanie Blondin