Sander Eitrem Secures Olympic Gold in 5,000m Speedskating, Enhancing World Record
Sander Eitrem achieved remarkable success at the 2026 Winter Olympics, held in Milan, Italy. Competing in the men’s 5,000 meters speedskating event, Eitrem not only secured the gold medal for Norway but also set a new Olympic record. His time of 6 minutes and 3.95 seconds surpasses the previous Olympic standard by nearly six seconds.
Sander Eitrem’s Olympic Victory
The race took place on February 8, 2026, and showcased Eitrem’s impressive skill and resilience. Despite a shaky start that saw him stumble early on, he quickly recovered. Eitrem lost a fraction of a second to Italy’s Riccardo Lorello at the initial checkpoint. However, he regained his composure and was ahead after 1,400 meters, steadily increasing his lead throughout the race.
Competition Highlights
- Gold Medal: Sander Eitrem (Norway)
- Silver Medal: Metodej Jilek (Czech Republic) – 2.53 seconds behind Eitrem
- Bronze Medal: Riccardo Lorello (Italy)
Prior to this event, Eitrem made history on January 24, 2026, by finishing a 5,000-meter race in under six minutes during a World Cup event in Germany. While he did not achieve that time in Milan, his performance solidified his status as a top competitor.
Notable Moments
Throughout the competition, U.S. Vice President JD Vance witnessed Eitrem’s record-breaking performance from the stands. Upon seeing Eitrem’s time displayed on the video boards, Vance expressed his amazement. Meanwhile, American speedskater Casey Dawson finished in eighth place, marking a significant comeback after missing the previous Olympics due to a COVID-19 positive test.
This victory not only enhances Eitrem’s personal achievements but also cements Norway’s strong presence in the realm of winter sports. As he celebrated, his joy was palpable, cutting through the tension of a fiercely competitive race.
