MILAN, Italy – Czech speed skating legend Martina Sáblíková faces a challenging road at the Olympic competition in Milan, battling illness as she attempts to add to her impressive medal collection. While the 38-year-old remains a threat to the favorites, a recent health setback forced her withdrawal from the 3000m race, casting a shadow over her participation in the 5000m event.
Sáblíková is a two-time Olympic champion in the 5000m, having also secured a silver and a bronze medal in the event throughout her storied career. Her ability to push herself to the limit on the ice is well-known, but she acknowledged the impact of her current condition.
“I can’t say what to expect,” Sáblíková said, according to translated reports. “Of course, I’m not going into the race thinking I’ll lap at 35 seconds and just skate it through. I’ll go as hard as I can, and we’ll see how my body handles it. Right now, it’s primarily about my breathing. It’s a shame.”
The withdrawal from the 3000m race was a difficult decision, but one Sáblíková felt was necessary. The decision underscores the physical demands of the sport and the delicate balance athletes must strike between competition and recovery.
Meanwhile, the American speed skating team saw an unexpected boost with Greta Myers’ late entry into the women’s 3000m race. Myers, a 21-year-old from Lino Lakes, Minnesota, was added to the start list just hours before the event following Sáblíková’s withdrawal. The United States had not initially qualified any skaters for the women’s long-distance races, but Myers secured the first alternate quota spot through her performance on the World Cup circuit and a victory at the U.S. Olympic Trials in early January.
The circumstances surrounding Myers’ inclusion were dramatic. She learned of her opportunity only three hours before the race, and even experienced a fall during a warm-up effort. Despite the chaotic preparation, Myers embraced the chance to compete.
“HEY! I’ll be racing the 3k today!!!! Quite unexpected but I’m so incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to skate and give it my very best!! Let’s go!!!!!” Myers posted on social media, demonstrating her enthusiasm and determination.
Myers finished the 3000m race in 20th place with a time of , falling short of medal contention. Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida claimed gold with an Olympic record time of , followed by Norway’s Ragne Wiklund and Canada’s Valeria Maltais.
Despite not reaching the podium, Myers expressed gratitude for the unexpected opportunity. “When I first heard I was in the 3K, I had just fallen during an effort at top speeds, so I was a little bit shaken up and frustrated from the fall but after I really processed it that I’d be racing, I just couldn’t believe it,” she told NBC’s Lewis Johnson. “When I was walking back to the locker room, I started tearing up a little… I’ve just been trying to take it all in. My body is not really ready to go yet….”
The situation highlights the unpredictable nature of the Olympics and the importance of preparation and adaptability. While Sáblíková grapples with illness, Myers seized a rare opportunity, showcasing the resilience and determination of athletes at the highest level.
The Czech men’s ice hockey team also began their Olympic campaign on , facing France in a crucial early match. The outcome of this game will be pivotal as the Czechs aim to advance through the tournament. The team will be looking to build momentum as the competition progresses, with several other Czech athletes competing in skiing, snowboarding, and speed skating throughout the week.
The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan and Cortina are already proving to be a stage for compelling narratives, unexpected turns, and displays of athletic fortitude. Sáblíková’s battle against illness and Myers’ improbable debut are just two examples of the drama unfolding on the ice and snow.
