Speed Skating
After unexpected warmup, speed skater shifts focus back to main event
Riportato dall'IA Immagine generata dall'IA
South Korean speed skater Chung Jae-won, set to compete in the men's mass start at the Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, placed 14th in an unexpected 1,500m race on Thursday to fine-tune his preparation. The 2022 Olympic silver medalist in mass start is aiming for his third career medal on Saturday.
At the Speed Skating World Championships, Miho Takagi won the women's 500 meters to share the all-around lead, marking the start of her final career chapter. Jordan Stolz took control in the men's competition. Following the Netherlands' sweep of the sprint titles the previous day, the all-around events are underway.
Riportato dall'IA
German speed skater Fridtjof Petzold has been suspended from the DESG national team after publicly criticizing the association and the national coach. The 28-year-old, who participated in the Milan Olympics, complained about lack of support and a strained relationship with the coach. Association president Matthias Große justifies the suspension as a breach of cadre criteria.
In the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics, South Korean speed skating sprinters Kim Min-sun and Lee Na-hyun will make their debut in the women's 1,000 meters on Monday. While their main event is the 500m, this race will allow them to test themselves against key rivals. Other Korean athletes in figure skating ice dance and luge will also compete on the same day.
Riportato dall'IA
South Korean speed skaters are hoping an intense training camp in Italy will lead to medals at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. Veterans like Chung Jae-won and debutant Cho Seung-min trained rigorously with the junior national team to prepare for the chaotic mass start event. Both express optimism about their improved performances.