Today Wrapped – February 8th 2026 Speed Skating News

Summary of February 8th 2026

• Norwegian Sander Eitrem dominates men’s 5000m at Milan Olympics with new Olympic record and gold medal
• Dutch speed skating team fails to medal in 5000m for first time since 1984, raising concerns
• Italy celebrates historic first speed skating gold with Riccardo Lorello winning bronze
• Multiple athletes prepare and reflect on their Olympic goals and experiences at Milano Cortina 2026

Olympic 5000m Top Highlights

Norway’s Sander Eitrem claimed Olympic gold in the men’s 5,000 meter speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, setting a remarkable new Olympic record and becoming the first to complete the distance in under six minutes. Despite a challenging start, his performance solidified his status as a top contender in the sport. You can read more details in Sander Eitrem wins Olympic gold and sets new record in 5000m speed skating.

Additional coverage highlights the historic medals for other countries, including the Czech Republic and Italy, with Riccardo Lorello earning bronze near his hometown crowd. Read more about this in Eitrem wins Olympic gold with new record; historic medals for Czech Republic and Italy and Riccardo Lorello wins bronze in speed skating 5000m at Winter Olympics.

Dutch Team Performance and Outlook

The Dutch men’s speed skating team experienced a setback by finishing without medals in the 5000m for the first time since 1984, raising questions but also hopes for upcoming races. Leading skaters including Chris Huizinga and Marcel Bosker expressed disappointment. Expert commentary remains optimistic about future events. Detailed analysis is available at Dutch speed skaters finish without medal in 5000m at Winter Olympics and Netherlands without medal after two days of Winter Olympics; optimism for upcoming events.

Individual reflections from Dutch athletes like Marcel Bosker and Stijn van de Bunt shed light on the pressures and experiences during their Olympic debut and races. See Marcel Bosker disappointed after 5,000 Meter race at Milan Winter Olympics and Stijn van de Bunt reflects on Olympic debut in 5,000 meter speed skating at Milan Winter Games.

Other Notable Olympic Stories and Athlete Preparations

• Ellia Smeding, the British speed skater, relocated her training base to Calgary aiming to recover from injury and prepare for Milano Cortina 2026. More at Ellia Smeding Prepares for Milano Cortina 2026 After Relocating Training Base.
• Yang Binyu from China reflected on her Olympic debut after overcoming a serious brain injury, finishing 17th in the women’s 3,000m event; details at Chinese Speed Skater Yang Binyu Reflects on Olympic Debut.
• Bart Swings focuses intensively on the mass start event, leveraging his experience in longer races for preparation. Read more at Bart Swings Focuses on Mass Start Event.
• Marrit Leenstra and Italy celebrated with the country earning its first-ever speed skating gold in Milan, recognizing Francesca Lollobrigida’s historic victory. See Italy Secures First Speed Skating Gold.
• Jorrit Bergsma prepares for his fourth Olympics, focusing on the 10,000 meter race and adapting to new ice conditions in Milan. More information at Jorrit Bergsma Prepares for Fourth Winter Olympics.
• Joep Wennemars shares insights about Olympic aspirations, relationship with coach and father, emphasizing patience and trust. Read his story at Joep Wennemars Discusses Olympic Aspirations and Relationship.
• Miho Takagi aims to defend her Olympic 1000m title at Milan-Cortina 2026 amidst tough competition from Dutch athletes. Details at Miho Takagi Aims to Defend Olympic 1000m Title.
• Suzanne Schulting is focused on her execution ahead of her Olympic long track debut in the 1000 meter event. More at Suzanne Schulting Focused on Execution.
• Jutta Leerdam trains intensively for the 1000 meter event and recently practiced briefly with competitor Stolz. Read about it at Jutta Leerdam Trains for 1000 Meter.
• Dutch skaters Suzanne Schulting, Femke Kok, and Jutta Leerdam competed in key heats for the 1000 meter Olympic event, aiming for podium finishes. See coverage at Dutch Skaters Compete in Key Olympic Speed Skating Races.

Conclusion

The second day of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics brought thrilling competitions and notable individual achievements in speed skating. Sander Eitrem’s record-breaking 5000m gold stands out as a career highlight, while the Dutch speed skating team confronts a rare off-day, spurring anticipation and hope for their prospects in the coming events. Across nations, athletes continue to showcase resilience and determination on the ice.

Source articles

• Sander Eitrem Reflects on World Record and Prepares as Favorite for 5,000 Meter in Milan
• Norwegian Sander Eitrem Wins Men’s 5,000m Speed Skating at Winter Olympics; Dutch Skaters Finish Without Medals
• Sander Eitrem Wins Olympic Gold in 5,000 Meter Speed Skating
• Sander Eitrem Sets Olympic Record to Win 5000m Speed Skating Gold at Milano Cortina 2026
• Sander Eitrem Claims Olympic Gold and Sets New Record in 5,000 Meter Speed Skating
• Sander Eitrem Wins Olympic Gold in Men’s 5,000 Meter Speed Skating; Dutch Skaters Miss Medal