Sander Eitrem of Norway secured the gold medal in the 5000-meter speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 6:03.95.
VG, a Norwegian news outlet, reports on Eitrem’s victory and record-setting performance.
Eitrem, 23, overcame a rough start in the race when he almost lost balance at the beginning but quickly regained composure and found his rhythm. He maintained a calm strategy throughout the competition, skating with his arms behind his back similar to his world record performance earlier in the season in Inzell, Germany, where he became the first person to break six minutes on the 5000-meter distance with a time of 5:58.52.
The race featured a close contest between Eitrem and his main rival, Metoděj Jílek from the Czech Republic. Both athletes were neck and neck until 1500 meters remained, when Eitrem increased the pace, distancing himself and setting the new Olympic record. Jílek finished second, with Peder Kongshaug, another Norwegian competitor, placing further behind as he was focusing on other distances in the competition.
Sverre Lunde Pedersen, the 2018 bronze medalist on this distance, expressed admiration during the event coverage, calling Eitrem’s performance “powerful” and “goosebumps inducing.” After the race, Eitrem celebrated by skating with the Norwegian flag held high. His win adds to an outstanding season where he has consistently performed at the top level, including becoming world champion on this distance the previous year in Hamar, Norway.
The event marked a strong showing from Norwegian speed skating, adding to recent successes in the sport. Eitrem’s strategic approach and resilience during the race exemplify his status as a leading athlete in long-distance speed skating as the 2026 Winter Olympics continue in Milan.
