Norwegian Sander Eitrem Wins Olympic Gold, Breaks 5,000m Speedskating Record
Sander Eitrem of Norway achieved a historic feat by winning gold in the men’s speedskating 5,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games. He not only secured the medal but also set a new Olympic record, enhancing the world record he previously established.
Details of Eitrem’s Victory
Competing on February 8, 2026, Eitrem finished with a stunning time of 6 minutes and 3.95 seconds. This time surpassed the previous Olympic standard by nearly 6 seconds and was 5.27 seconds faster than Italian skater Riccardo Lorello, who took silver. Eitrem’s victory came after a challenging start, where he stumbled but quickly regained his form.
Notable Competitors
- Silver Medal: Metodej Jilek (Czech Republic) – Finished 2.53 seconds behind Eitrem.
- Bronze Medal: Riccardo Lorello (Italy).
Eitrem’s remarkable recovery allowed him to take the lead by the 1,400-meter mark, and he continued to build on his advantage throughout the race.
Historic Context
Earlier, on January 24, 2026, Eitrem made history by being the first speedskater to complete the 5,000 meters in under 6 minutes at a World Cup event in Germany. Despite not matching that time during the Olympics, his performance solidified his reputation in the sport.
Crowd Reaction and Other Highlights
The event saw U.S. Vice President JD Vance in attendance. He reacted with awe when Eitrem’s time was displayed on the video boards. American skater Casey Dawson, who previously missed the Beijing Olympics due to a COVID-19 positive test, finished in eighth place this time.
Sander Eitrem’s exceptional performance at the Milan Cortina Games marks a significant moment in Olympic speedskating and sets a high standard for future competitors.
