Norwegian skater Ragne Wiklund is regarded as a significant contender in the upcoming Olympic 3000-meter speed skating competition, according to Dutch coach Bjarne Rykkje.
Telegraaf, a news outlet from the Netherlands, reports on the build-up to the event in Milan.
The 3,000 meters marks the opening distance of the Olympic long track speed skating tournament in Milan, where Dutch skaters Joy Beune, Marijke Groenewoud, and Merel Conijn will compete. Coach Rykkje, who has worked closely with Wiklund for several years, emphasizes her readiness and confidence as she challenges the Dutch team.
Rykkje identified a likely gold medal contest between Beune and Wiklund but acknowledged the potential for Groenewoud and Conijn to also deliver strong performances. He highlighted Wiklund’s stable high-level form, demonstrated by her recent results such as the European Championships in Poland and the World Cup event in Inzell, where she showed considerable strength by finishing significantly ahead of Beune.
While Wiklund faced mental challenges during the 2022 Beijing Olympics, Rykkje noted that she has since developed greater mental calmness and resilience, making coaching her more effective. Wiklund’s physical condition, particularly her hypermobile back, has posed some difficulties in the past, but she has adapted her training to manage this risk.
Rykkje stressed that the Norwegian team’s focus remains primarily on their own performance rather than on competitors, indicating a strategic approach that has differed from previous years. He anticipates a competitive start to the games, with both Norwegian and Dutch skaters needing to deliver their best.
In addition to the women’s event, Rykkje mentioned Sander Eitrem, the new world record holder in the men’s 5,000 meters, as another strong Norwegian athlete to watch. Eitrem’s recent world record performance under six minutes has brought additional attention to Norway’s prospects in Milan.
According to Rykkje, Eitrem’s breakthrough has eased pressure on him, as achieving this milestone has provided psychological relief and motivation heading into the Olympics, where he remains a strong medal contender.
