Olympic Speed Skating
The Winter Olympics in Milan Cortina 2026 will feature Olympic Speed Skating, highlighting a mix of traditional powerhouses and emerging talents. The Netherlands is expected to continue its dominance, while nations like Canada and South Korea will challenge their supremacy. Emerging athletes from various countries will also be ones to watch, as they may shake up the established order.
Over the past 30 years, Olympic Speed Skating has seen remarkable performances and shifting dynamics. In the 1994 Lillehammer Winter Olympics, the Netherlands showcased their strength, with Gianni Romme winning the 10,000m and Yvonne van Gennip claiming three gold medals. The Dutch continued their dominance at the 2002 Salt Lake City Games, sweeping the men’s and women’s 1,000m and 1,500m events.
The 2010 Vancouver Olympics saw South Korea’s Lee Sang-hwa rise to prominence with gold in the 500m and 1,000m, while the Dutch maintained their hold on distance events. At the 2014 Sochi Games, Ireen Wüst and Jorien ter Mors from the Netherlands excelled, securing multiple medals. The 2018 PyeongChang Games reaffirmed the Netherlands’ prowess, with Sven Kramer and Ireen Wüst leading in their respective races.
Throughout these Winter Olympic Games, the Netherlands has remained a dominant force, but nations like South Korea and Canada have also made significant marks, contributing to a vibrant and competitive field in Olympic Speed Skating.
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