Speed skater Blondin handling the pressure better as she pursues 1st Olympic medal

The pressure of the Olympics can rip apart the foundation of even the most grounded athletes, wreaking havoc on years of training and leaving many wondering what might have been. 

It's something Canadian long track speed skater Ivanie Blondin knows all too well.

A self-proclaimed "emotional wreck sometimes," Blondin spiralled during the Olympics four years ago in Pyeongchang. She thought she was prepared, but when things started swinging out of balance she was unable to reel herself back in.

The 31-year-old from Ottawa finished fifth in the 5,000 metres, sixth in the 3,000m and in the race she's been dominant in at times, the mass start, she finished 19th. 

"The Olympic push is hard. It's hard to push through it. Sometimes it's not going to feel great but that's part of the game," she told CBC Sports. 

During the national championships last October, Blondin felt that spiral again. She started the competition with unsatisfactory results and doubt began to creep in.  

WATCH | My Story: Ivanie Blondin's long road to find joy on the ice:

This time though, there was no panic. She's surrounded herself with people who remind her of what she's trying to accomplish and lift her up when a performance doesn't go as planned. 

Blondin has built a support system around her as she heads into her third Olympics, at the heart two teammates — Isabelle Weidemann and Valérie Maltais — who have become vital to her success.

"I rely on them a lot. Izzy (Weidemann) was there for me. She gave me a hug and reminded me I'm human," Blondin said. "It's nice to have those moments and that reassurance."

Blondin, Weidemann and Valérie Maltais have become a high-powered speed skating trio. They've been pushing each other during training sessions and