Czech ‘Golden Boy’ Jilek Shines with Olympic Speed Skating Triumph
Metodej Jilek, a 19-year-old speed skater from the Czech Republic, achieved a remarkable victory at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics. Competing in the men’s 10,000 meters, Jilek secured the gold medal, solidifying his status as a rising star in the sport.
Czech ‘Golden Boy’ Shines at the Olympics
On February 13, 2026, Jilek demonstrated his talent at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium in Milan, Italy. He had already garnered attention by winning a bronze medal in the same event at the 2025 ISU World Single Distances Championships.
Support from a Champion
Jilek was backed by his mentor, Martina Sablikova, a three-time Olympic champion. Despite facing health challenges, including a viral infection, Sablikova attended the event to support Jilek. After his victory, Jilek proudly wore a white T-shirt that read “GOLDEN BOY,” which was a gift from Sablikova.
A Day to Remember
- Date: February 13, 2026
- Event: Men’s 10,000 meters speed skating
- Location: Milano Speed Skating Stadium, Milan, Italy
- Medal: Gold
- Previous Achievement: Bronze in the 10,000m at the 2025 ISU World Championships
- Supportive Mentor: Martina Sablikova, Olympic champion
After the race, Jilek expressed gratitude for the support he received from his fans and Sablikova. “It means a lot to have such a big Czech crowd here,” he noted. The presence of Czech fans inspired him, adding motivation to perform at his best.
A Bright Future Ahead
Despite his success, Jilek remains humble and focused on improvement. He mentioned feeling slightly unwell before the race but managed to overcome the discomfort. “I know I can still improve,” he stated, emphasizing his dedication to training and future competitions.
Jilek’s triumph marks a significant milestone for the Czech Republic at the Milano Cortina Games. He has now become the nation’s second Olympic champion in these Olympics, following Zuzana Maderova’s win in the women’s parallel giant slalom.
As Metodej Jilek continues to develop his skills, the speed skating community watches closely, eager to see what this ‘Golden Boy’ will accomplish next.
