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Norwegian speed skater and Olympic champion Sander Eitrem has left the Olympic Village after falling ill during the Winter Games in Milan-Cortina 2026.
According to Sportnieuws.nl, Eitrem, who won gold in the 5,000 meters, withdrew from the Norwegian team after contracting the flu. His first week at the Games was marked by a mix of highs and lows. Following his triumph on the 5,000 meter event, Eitrem aimed to secure another medal in the 10,000 meters but finished outside the podium positions due to his illness.
Speaking to Norwegian media, Eitrem revealed that he began experiencing symptoms such as a sore throat and nasal congestion shortly before his 10,000 meter race in Milan. He stated he was completely exhausted with about 3,000 meters remaining, which contributed to his inability to maintain top performance. The medals in that event went to Jorrit Bergsma, Vladimir Semirunniy, and Czech competitor Metodej Jilek.
To prevent infecting his teammates, Eitrem decided to move out of the Olympic Village and into a hotel, where he intends to recover and continue supporting the competitions without posing a health risk. His girlfriend, Aurora Grinden Løvås, remains in the Olympic Village as she still competes in upcoming events like the 1,500 meters and mass start races.
Other skaters were also affected by illness during the 10,000 meters. Danish athlete Viktor Hald Thorup withdrew mid-race after becoming sick, having been observed vomiting before the event. This situation underscores the challenges athletes are facing at the Games due to health issues.
