Speed skaters from various countries gathered in Milan for training sessions, preparing for upcoming competitions with focused practice and medical support on site.
Schaatsen.nl, based in the Netherlands, provided the original report on the event.
At 9:30 AM, the first long-track skaters appeared on the central rink area for their warm-up routines, accompanied by local emergency medical teams. Each session included at least six medics equipped with helmets, burn cards, and other necessary supplies. Thankfully, the medical team reported little intervention was required throughout the day. During the initial hour, only the American skaters took to the ice, including Brittany Bowe and Erin Jackson. For much of their training, they moved in a group of six, with coach Ryan Shimabukuro actively communicating lap times to the team. Notably, some skaters were not wearing their Olympic uniforms, and Shimabukuro wore long pants despite leading a winter sports team, due to his personal preference for shorts regardless of the cold.
Shortly after 10 AM, Dutch skater Suzanne Schulting stepped onto the ice. Following a difficult first day on the Milanese ice, where she suffered a fall, she appeared to have adjusted well and expressed satisfaction with the relatively mild temperatures, which suited her better compared to colder conditions. Meanwhile, the Italian skaters were also training in a strong group, with Davide Ghiotto leading and Francesca Lollobrigida positioned toward the rear. The Italian team looked powerful and ready to showcase their strength in front of their home crowd.
Meanwhile, Dutch skaters Stijn van de Bunt, Joy Beune, and Sebas Diniz were preparing to begin their ice laps. Having stayed in Milan since Saturday, they appeared well-acclimated to the environment. Beune logged significant distances on the ice and took a moment to pose for photos, as did fellow Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam. Leerdam received assistance during her session from former teammate Thomas Geerdinck, who is now part of Team Novus.
