Today Wrapped – January 24th 2026 Speed Skating News

Summary of January 24th 2026

• Multiple track records set at Inzell World Cup including by Femke Kok, Jutta Leerdam, Jordan Stolz, and Ragne Wiklund.
• Norwegian Sander Eitrem breaks the world record in the 5000m race, finishing under six minutes.
• Emerging talent Stijn van de Bunt impresses at Olympic Qualification Tournament and makes international debut.
• Notable performances and reflections from Joy Beune, Joep Wennemars, Damian Zurek, and other top skaters.
• Former skaters and athletes prepare for new roles and the upcoming Winter Olympics in Milan.

Inzell World Cup: Record-Breaking Performances

Speed skating fans were treated to breathtaking performances at the final World Cup weekend held in Inzell. Femke Kok impressed by setting a new track record in the women’s 500m while maintaining her winning streak. Meanwhile, Jordan Stolz secured the 500m trophy with a new track record and continued his dominance by winning gold in the 1500m event (source, source).

Jutta Leerdam also broke the track record at Inzell, signaling strong form just weeks ahead of the Winter Olympics (read more), while Ragne Wiklund set another new record winning the women’s 3000m and clinching her fourth consecutive long-distance World Cup trophy (details here). The competition also included remarkable efforts by Dutch skaters with mixed outcomes as Joy Beune captured the 1500m win but expressed regret over her missed Olympic opportunity (source, more here).

Full overview of the key races and athlete performances at Inzell can be found here.

Historic World Record by Sander Eitrem

Norwegian skater Sander Eitrem stunned the speed skating world by breaking the 5000 meter world record at the Inzell World Cup. He became the first to finish under six minutes with an impressive time of 5:58.5 (source, read more).

Rising Stars and Olympic Preparations

Stijn van de Bunt, a 21-year-old Dutch skater, emerged as an exciting talent by surprising competitors at the Olympic Qualification Tournament. He secured spots in multiple events and performed well in his international debut (more, details). Despite his rapid rise, Stijn remains focused and calm as he prepares for the Milan Winter Games (read more).

Jordan Stolz, who also put up record performances in Inzell, continues training with an emphasis on peak Olympic form. Joep Wennemars secured bronze and views his results as part of a longer-term Olympic preparation process (source).

Personal Stories Beyond the Ice

Former Dutch champion Lotte van Beek has transitioned to a new life as a ski instructor in Austria and reflects fondly on her skating career (read more).

Suzanne Schulting is gearing up for her dual participation in long track and short track events at the Milan Olympics alongside her partner Joep Wennemars, maintaining focus on the big stage ahead (details here).

German Speed Skating Revival

Finn Sonnekalb, at just 18 years old, is seen as a catalyst for the resurgence of German speed skating after years of decline, driven by modern training and strong support (read more).

Source articles

• Femke Kok Sets Track Record; Mixed Results for Dutch Skaters in Inzell World Cup
• Joy Beune and Femke Kok Claim Victories in Inzell Ahead of Winter Olympics
• Stijn van de Bunt Secures Third Place in Five Kilometer B-Group Race with Acknowledgment from Yvonne van Gennip
• Jutta Leerdam Sets Track Record at Inzell World Cup; Beune Defeated by Wiklund in 3000m
• Leerdam and Wiklund Set Records at Inzell World Cup Ahead of Winter Olympics
• Jordan Stolz Sets New Track Record in Final 1,000 Meter World Cup Race in Inzell
• Ragne Wiklund Sets New Record to Win 3000 Meter at Women’s Speed Skating Event