Sander Eitrem of Norway secured the men’s World Allround Speed Skating Championship title on March 8, 2026, ending a 32-year wait for his country since Johan Olav Koss’s victory in 1994.
ISU Skating, the official website of the International Skating Union based in Switzerland, reported on the event held in Heerenveen, the Netherlands.
Eitrem established a strong position with an impressive 1500m race against American competitor Jordan Stolz, the 5000m world record holder, on the first day of competition. Stolz led the overall standings after a fast 500m, but after Eitrem’s performance in the 1500m and a competitive 10,000m race, Eitrem overtook Stolz to claim the title.
During the 1500m race, Stolz started aggressively and held a lead, but fatigue affected his later laps, allowing Eitrem to reduce the time gap. Stolz won the race with 1:43.11 but only managed a slim 0.81-second advantage at the finish. Stolz later described feeling exhausted and acknowledged that he had pushed himself as hard as possible.
In the final 10,000m distance, Eitrem demonstrated endurance and determination by lapping Stolz with seven laps remaining, finishing the race in 12 minutes and 41.27 seconds, while Stolz completed it in 13 minutes and 32.28 seconds. Eitrem’s consistency across distances ultimately secured him the championship.
Norwegian teammate Peder Kongshaug placed third in the 1500m event, while competitors Metoděj Jílek from the Czech Republic and Vladimir Semirunniy from Poland also remained in contention for podium positions throughout the competition.
Jílek secured the silver medal after an outstanding 10,000m where he posted the fastest time of 12 minutes and 30.54 seconds, surpassing both Semirunniy and Stolz in the overall rankings. Semirunniy finished the 10,000m closely behind Jílek and earned the bronze medal.
Both Eitrem and fellow Norwegian Ragne Wiklund, who won the women’s title at the same championship, took part in a traditional lap of honor at Thialf ice arena, celebrating a significant achievement for Norwegian speed skating on the global stage.
