Norway's Sander Eitrem Sets New Olympic Record in 5000m Speed Skating at 2026 Games

Norway's Sander Eitrem set a new Olympic record in the men's 5000m speed skating. This is a major win for Norway at the 2026 Winter Olympics.
By Newsroom | Sports, Olympics |

The 2026 Winter Olympics are showcasing intense competition across various disciplines, with Norway's speed skaters making significant strides. Sander Eitrem has achieved a new Olympic record in the men's 5000m speed skating event, a feat that highlights the nation's growing prowess in the sport. Meanwhile, other events are unfolding, including the men's freeski halfpipe and various short track speed skating races, contributing to the overall narrative of the Games.

Context and Timeline

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina are progressing with notable performances across different sports. Key events covered include:

  • Men's 5000m Speed Skating: Sander Eitrem of Norway has broken the Olympic record in this discipline. This event has seen other strong performances, with Metodej Jilek of Czechia taking silver and Riccardo Lorello securing bronze.

  • Freestyle Skiing: The men's freeski halfpipe final has concluded, with Gus Kenworthy of Team GB finishing sixth.

  • Short Track Speed Skating: Results from the men's 5000m relay are available, with the Netherlands, Republic of Korea, and Italy securing the top three positions.

These events are part of a larger Olympic program that also includes figure skating, curling, and various skiing disciplines.

Evidence of Performance

  • Sander Eitrem's Record: Sander Eitrem's victory in the men's 5000m speed skating was a highlight, setting a new Olympic record. He achieved a time that surpassed previous benchmarks, solidifying his position as a top contender. His performance builds on a strong showing at the ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Salt Lake City, where he set a world record of 5:58.52.

  • Medalists in Men's 5000m:

  • Gold: Sander Eitrem (Norway)

  • Silver: Metodej Jilek (Czechia) - 6:06.48

  • Bronze: Riccardo Lorello (Italy) - 6:09.22

  • Lorello's medal marks Czechia's first-ever Olympic medal in any men's speed skating event.

  • Short Track Relay Results: The men's 5000m relay saw the following nations on the podium:

  • Gold: Netherlands (NED) - 6:51.847

  • Silver: Republic of Korea (KOR) - 6:52.239

  • Bronze: Italy (ITA) - 6:52.335

  • Freestyle Skiing Commentary: Gus Kenworthy expressed dissatisfaction with his sixth-place finish in the men's freeski halfpipe, noting an unexpected issue on his first run and a missed opportunity on his final attempt.

Norway's Ascendancy in Speed Skating

Norway appears to be entering a new era of dominance in speed skating. The success of young athletes like Sander Eitrem (23) and Wiklund (25) suggests sustained strength in the sport. Eitrem's recent Olympic record further cements this observation, following his world record performance just weeks prior. The team's depth is evident, with multiple athletes achieving podium finishes and setting new benchmarks.

Winter Olympics 2026: men’s 5000m relay final, Norway break record for golds and more – live - 1

Diverse Olympic Disciplines

Beyond speed skating, the Winter Olympics feature a wide array of events:

  • Freestyle Skiing: Competitions like the men's freeski halfpipe showcase acrobatic skill and precision. Athletes like Gus Kenworthy are aiming for top results.

  • Short Track Speed Skating: This fast-paced discipline includes relay events where team strategy and individual speed are crucial, as demonstrated by the close finishes in the men's 5000m relay.

  • Other Sports: Events such as men's curling, women's ski cross, men's aerials, women's 1500m speed skating, and men's mass start events are also part of the ongoing competition.

Broader Olympic Landscape

The Milano Cortina 2026 Games are also marked by national achievements and individual narratives. For instance, Canada secured its first gold medal of the Games on Day 9, and British athletes achieved a historic milestone by winning two gold medals on the same day, both in mixed team events. Meanwhile, athletes like Mikaela Shiffrin faced disappointment, missing out on podiums, while others, such as Federica Brignone, celebrated multiple victories.

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Conclusion and Implications

The 2026 Winter Olympics continue to be a platform for remarkable athletic achievements. Sander Eitrem's Olympic record in the men's 5000m speed skating underscores Norway's current strength in the discipline and points towards a promising future. The results from the men's 5000m relay and freestyle skiing highlight the diverse talents on display. As the Games progress, these performances offer insights into the evolving landscape of winter sports and the dedication of the athletes representing their nations. Further analysis of team strategies and individual training regimes could provide deeper understanding of these successes.

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Sources Used

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who set a new Olympic record in the men's 5000m speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Sander Eitrem from Norway set a new Olympic record in the men's 5000m speed skating event. He won the gold medal for his performance.
Q: Who won silver and bronze in the men's 5000m speed skating?
Metodej Jilek of Czechia won the silver medal, and Riccardo Lorello of Italy won the bronze medal.
Q: What were the results of the men's 5000m short track speed skating relay?
The Netherlands won gold, the Republic of Korea won silver, and Italy won bronze in the men's 5000m short track speed skating relay.
Q: How did Gus Kenworthy perform in the men's freeski halfpipe at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
Gus Kenworthy of Team GB finished in sixth place in the men's freeski halfpipe final. He mentioned issues with his first run and a missed chance on his last attempt.
Q: What does Sander Eitrem's record mean for Norway in speed skating?
Sander Eitrem's new Olympic record shows Norway is becoming very strong in speed skating. It follows his recent world record and suggests the team has many good skaters for the future.