The Milano Cortina Winter Olympics is set to spotlight women's speed skating as competitors vie for medals in the 500-meter event. Starting at 20:30, the live broadcast on ETV2 will feature commentary by Helar Osila and Mart Markus. A total of 31 athletes will take to the track, with notable competitor Ellia Smeding representing Great Britain on her own in Milano.

The event holds significant anticipation as world-class athletes gather to compete, including reigning Olympian Erin Jackson from the 2022 Beijing Games, who will face off against Dutch star Femke Kok. Kok aims to secure her first Olympic victory to accompany her 1000-meter silver medal from the previous Olympics, adding to the competitive spirit of the race.

Other prominent athletes include the Dutch contenders Anna Boersma and Jutta Leerdam, Japan's Miho Takagi, who won silver in Beijing, and reigning European champion, Poland's Kaja Ziomek-Nogal. The event not only showcases individual talents but also represents a broader competitive landscape in women's speed skating at the Olympics.