The fresh world record holder also won Olympic gold in Milan
Norwegian speed skater Sander Eitrem won the Olympic gold in men's 5000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games, setting an Olympic record.
At the Milan Cortina Olympic Games, Norwegian speed skater Sander Eitrem has made headlines by winning the men's 5000 meters, setting a new Olympic record of 6:03.95. This victory follows his recent achievement of setting a new world record in Inzell just weeks earlier, clocking an impressive time of 5:58.52. Eitrem's performance not only showcases his incredible speed but also marks the first Olympic gold medal of his career, solidifying his rise in the world of competitive speed skating.
Eitrem was able to secure his win by defeating Czech competitor Metodej Jilek by an impressive margin of 2.53 seconds, confirming his dominance in the discipline. Following Eitrem and Jilek, the bronze medal was claimed by Riccardo Lorello from the host nation, Italy, who finished with a time of 6:09.22, narrowly edging out teammate Davide Ghiotto. Other notable competitors included Timothy Loubineaud from France and Peder Kongshaug of Norway, who also finished in the top six, further highlighting the competitive nature of this Olympic event.
This medal ceremony marks the second time that speed skating medals have been awarded in Milan during these Games, showcasing the country's enthusiastic support for the sport. Prior to the men's event, Francesca Lollobrigida won the womenβs 3000 meters, thrilling the Italian crowd. As anticipation builds, the next medal events will feature the womenβs 1000 meter race, which is scheduled for later this week, promising more exciting competitions ahead.