Speed Skating Opens at Winter Olympics 2026 with Women's 3000m Thriller

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina delivered its first speed skating medals on Saturday, February 7, with Norway's Ragne Wiklund claiming gold in the women's 3000m at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. The event marked the opening of speed skating competition at the Games and provided the first of many anticipated thrilling races on Italian ice.

Wiklund's victory denied the Netherlands their fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal in the women's 3000m, breaking a dominant streak that had defined the event for nearly two decades. Dutch skaters Joy Beune and Marijke Groenewoud entered the race as favorites, with Beune being the reigning world champion making her Olympic debut. The anticipation was high for another Dutch podium sweep, making Wiklund's triumph even more impressive.

Joy Beune of the Netherlands claimed the silver medal, demonstrating the depth of Dutch speed skating talent despite falling short of gold in her first Olympic appearance. Canada's Valerie Maltais rounded out the podium with the bronze medal, adding to Canada's growing medal tally at the Milan Cortina Games. The race showcased the incredible endurance and technical skill required for long-track speed skating at the highest level.

The women's 3000m served as the perfect opening act for what promises to be an exciting speed skating program at Milano Cortina 2026. The event was broadcast live on NBC and USA Network in the United States, with streaming available on Peacock, allowing fans worldwide to witness the drama unfold. The atmosphere at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium was electric, with passionate Italian crowds supporting athletes from around the globe.

Speed skating continues throughout the Games with multiple distance events scheduled across both men's and women's competitions. The Dutch team, despite missing out on gold in the 3000m, remains heavily favored in several upcoming events and will look to reassert their traditional dominance. For Norway and Canada, the early medals provide momentum as they chase their overall medal count goals in Milan and Cortina.