Teenager Wins Olympic Gold in Speedskating's Longest Distance

Czech skater Metodej Jilek takes gold in men's 10,000m event at Milan Cortina Games

Published on Feb. 13, 2026

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Nineteen-year-old Czech speedskater Metodej Jilek won the gold medal in the men's 10,000-meter event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, Italy. Jilek covered the 25-lap, 6.2-mile distance in 12 minutes and 33.43 seconds, over 5 seconds faster than silver medalist Vladimir Semirunniy of Poland. The bronze went to 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma of the Netherlands.

Why it matters

Jilek's gold medal in the 10,000m, the longest distance in Olympic speedskating, is a remarkable achievement for the 19-year-old Czech athlete. His victory adds to the Czech Republic's growing success in the sport and highlights the rise of young talent on the global stage.

The details

Jilek moved more than a second ahead of the early pace set by Semirunniy with seven laps remaining, maintaining a consistent and metronomic stride that nearly allowed him to lap the other skater in his heat. When Jilek crossed the finish line, he threw both arms overhead in celebration. Jilek had won the only World Cup 10,000m event contested this season, making him a top medal contender heading into the Olympics.

  • The 10,000m speedskating final took place on February 13, 2026 at the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics.
  • Jilek had previously won a silver medal in the 5,000m event earlier in the Games.

The players

Metodej Jilek

A 19-year-old Czech speedskater who won the gold medal in the men's 10,000m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan.

Vladimir Semirunniy

A Polish speedskater who won the silver medal in the men's 10,000m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Jorrit Bergsma

A 40-year-old Dutch speedskater who won the bronze medal in the men's 10,000m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

Sander Eitrem

A Norwegian speedskater who beat Jilek in the 5,000m event at the 2026 Winter Olympics but finished seventh in the 10,000m.

Davide Ghiotto

An Italian speedskater who held the 10,000m world record and won a bronze medal in the event at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, but finished sixth in the 2026 event.

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What they’re saying

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee (Instagram)

The takeaway

Jilek's gold medal in the 10,000m, the longest distance in Olympic speedskating, is a remarkable achievement for the 19-year-old Czech athlete and highlights the rise of young talent on the global stage. His victory adds to the Czech Republic's growing success in the sport and demonstrates the country's ability to develop world-class speedskaters.