Czech Speedskater Metodej Jilek Claims 10,000m Olympic Gold at 19

Emerson Raymont

Published: February 14, 2026 8:42 AM ET

Czech Speedskater Metodej Jilek Claims 10,000m Olympic Gold at 19

Czech speedskater Metodej Jilek has made history by winning the Olympic gold medal in the men’s 10,000 meters at the age of 19. This achievement occurred at the Milan Cortina Games, complementing his earlier silver medal performance in the 5,000 meters.

Victory Details

Jilek completed the challenging 10,000 meters, equivalent to 25 laps around a 400-meter track, in a remarkable time of 12 minutes and 33.43 seconds. His performance secured him the title, making him the first male speedskater from the Czech Republic to win an Olympic long track event.

Challengers and Medals

Jilek defeated Poland’s silver medalist Vladimir Semirunniy by over 5.5 seconds. The bronze medal was claimed by Jorrit Bergsma from the Netherlands, who, at 40, is the oldest competitor in Milan.

Gold Medal: Metodej Jilek (Czech Republic) – 12:33.43
Silver Medal: Vladimir Semirunniy (Poland)
Bronze Medal: Jorrit Bergsma (Netherlands)

Future Potential

Following his victory, Jilek expressed confidence in his ability to improve further. He mentioned a commitment to increasing his training volume, indicating that he sees significant potential for growth.

Rivalry and Competition

In the race, Jilek strategically moved ahead of Semirunniy, maintaining a consistent pace that was unmatched. His performance drew praise from other athletes, including 2018 Olympic champion Ted-Jan Bloemen, who acknowledged Jilek’s rapid ascent in the sport.

Event Background

Prior to Jilek’s gold medal win, he dominated the only World Cup 10,000 meters event earlier this season. Notably, American speedskater Casey Dawson withdrew from the race to focus on other events, leaving the 10,000-meter competition without U.S. representation.

Conclusion

Metodej Jilek’s Olympic success at such a young age not only showcases his talent but also sets a promising stage for a future filled with potential achievements. His journey in speedskating is just beginning, and many will be watching closely as he continues to develop.