The long track speed skating event begins with Dutch skaters, while stronger international contenders are expected to compete later in the program.
Schaatsen.nl, published in the Netherlands, provides detailed coverage of the event.
The competition starts with Dutch athletes taking to the ice early in the schedule. Marcel Boskar leads off in the first heat, followed by Stijn van de Bunt, noted for being a surprise performer at the Olympic Qualification Tournament. Chris Huizinga also competes in the sixth heat, ensuring all Dutch skaters participate in the initial half of the program well before the top international favorites arrive.
The most anticipated part of the event occurs in the final heats. Italian hopeful Davide Ghiotto competes in the eighth heat against Casey Dawson from the United States. Although Ghiotto has had a mixed season, the recent gold medal won by his teammate in Italy has heightened attention on him. He shares the ice with fellow Italian Michele Malfatti, creating a local rivalry for the home crowd.
In the ninth heat, Norwegian skater Sander Eitrem, who recently made history by finishing the five-kilometer race in under six minutes, faces Metodej Jilek from the Czech Republic, another strong medal contender. The event concludes with a race between former world record holder Timothy Loubineaud and the Dutch-Canadian skater Ted-Jan Bloemen.
The Olympic record for the five-kilometer distance has stood since 2022, held by Nils van der Poel at 6:08.84. Given the recent improvements in times, it is possible that this record may be challenged during the event’s final races.
The full Olympic long track schedule, including draws, results, and updated entry lists, is available on the event’s program page.
