Today Wrapped – February 7th 2026 Speed Skating News

Summary of February 7th 2026

• Italian Francesca Lollobrigida wins historic gold and sets Olympic record in women’s 3000m speed skating.
• Norwegian Ragne Wiklund ends 46-year medal drought with Olympic silver in 3000m.
• Dutch women’s team disappoints by missing the podium in the 3000m event.
• Several American athletes prepare for their final Olympic appearances at Milano Cortina 2026.
• Jutta Leerdam faces media challenges amid privacy concerns and injury struggles.
• Norwegian skaters Sander Eitrem and Peder Kongshaug look poised for success in men’s events.

Olympic 3000m Speed Skating Drama

Francesca Lollobrigida stole the spotlight by winning the women’s 3000m gold medal at Milano Cortina 2026 on her 35th birthday. She set a new Olympic record and secured Italy’s first Winter Olympic gold in speed skating. Her victory capped a comeback season marked by perseverance and recovery, detailed in this profile.

Norwegian skater Ragne Wiklund earned silver, ending a 46-year Olympic medal drought for Norwegian women in the sport. Canadian Valérie Maltais took bronze, marking her first individual Olympic medal.

The Dutch women, including Joy Beune and Marijke Groenewoud, unfortunately missed the podium, a notable upset given their usual strong performances. Their reflections on the race and disappointment are captured in this report. Joy Beune finished fourth, expressing her frustration in her statement.

Notable Athlete Spotlights and Preparations

Several American speed skaters are preparing for their final Olympic appearances at Milano Cortina 2026. Brittany Bowe aims for gold following two previous bronze medals, while Mia Manganello and Casey Dawson also gear up for strong Olympic campaigns.

Norwegian men’s skaters are hot favorites in their events. Sander Eitrem targets victory in the 5000m while Peder Kongshaug seeks his first individual Olympic gold, following multiple world titles.

Injury and Media Coverage Challenges

Dutch star Jutta Leerdam initially ended a press boycott but abruptly ended an interview about her ankle treatment. She continues to limit media interactions ahead of the 1000m race, focusing on privacy and preparation (source). Fellow Dutch legend Ireen Wüst remarked on the media pressures athletes face.

Martina Sablikova withdrew from the 3000m race due to illness but remains hopeful to compete later, according to this update.

Career Profiles and Reflections

Insightful interviews with athletes include Jenning de Boo, sharing his journey and ambitions, and a tribute to Nils van der Poel, whose transformative speed skating career inspired many.

Newcomer Sandrine Tas delivered a strong Olympic debut with seventh place in the 3000m, expressing satisfaction despite missing medal contention.

Additional Coverage and Insights

The opening long track speed skating event featured solid performances by Dutch skaters but awaits intensified competition from international contenders, as previewed in this coverage.

For fans interested in detailed reactions and further medal event updates, multiple articles from nos.nl, schaatsen.nl, and vg.no provide in-depth reporting and athlete reactions.

Source articles

• Ragne Wiklund Positioned as Key Competitor in Olympic 3000m Speed Skating Event
• Joy Beune Faces All-or-Nothing Challenge at Milan 2026 Winter Olympics
• Dutch Skaters at the Olympics Share Insights Amidst Media Challenges
• Femke Kok Reflects on Her First Olympics with Spectators Present
• Francesca Lollobrigida Wins Gold in Women’s 3000m Speed Skating at Olympics
• Francesca Lollobrigida Secures Victory in Opening Speed Skating Race
• Groenewoud Reflects on 3000m Performance at Milan Winter Olympics
• Speed Skater Jutta Leerdam Seeks Calm Ahead of 1000 Meter at Olympic Games
• Francesca Lollobrigida Wins Surprising Olympic Gold in 3000m Speed Skating
• Italy’s Lollobrigida Wins Historic Olympic Gold in Speed Skating
• Francesca Lollobrigida Secures Italy’s First Gold at Winter Olympics Amid Dutch Disappointment
• Italian Francesca Lollobrigida Wins 3000m Speed Skating Gold as Dutch Skaters Miss Podium