Tatjana Sablíková Misses European Finals by a Hair
Three-time Olympic champion Sáblíková announced that she would compete in the championship as part of her full training regime in readiness for the games in Milan. She frequently enough skipped the European Championships due to health issues or training for major events, and this is her first start in five years.
She has twelve medals from the European Championships,including five gold,but all in the all-around event.She has only competed in the individual distances once, finishing fourth in the 3000m in 2020. The same as now in Poland.
The best Dutch skaters are skipping the championship, similar to Czech ace Metoděj Jílek, but the competition at the start was still of high quality.
Sáblíková skated in the last pair with Italian Francesca Lollobrigida, so she knew how high the medals were. Norwegian long-distance star Ragne Wiklund was far behind her competitors.
Czech Speed Skating Team Announces World Championship Roster
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The Czech Republic has announced its team for the upcoming ISU World Speed Skating Championships, taking place February 13-15, 2026, in Calgary, Canada. The roster includes seasoned veterans and rising stars, with medal hopes focused on Martina Sáblíková and Nikol Demková.
Martina Sáblíková’s Return
Martina Sáblíková, a three-time Olympic champion and multiple-time World Champion, will compete in the women’s 3000m and 5000m events. This marks a significant return for Sáblíková, who has been a dominant force in long-distance speed skating for over a decade.
Sáblíková’s career includes a gold medal in the 3000m at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics,a gold medal in the 5000m at the 2014 Sochi Olympics,and a gold medal in the mass start at the 2018 Pyeongchang Olympics. She has also won numerous World Championship medals, solidifying her status as one of the greatest speed skaters of all time. As of January 9, 2026, she holds the world record in the women’s 5000m with a time of 6:46.69, set in Salt lake City on March 10, 2019. ISU Profile – Martina Sáblíková
Nikol Demková’s Championship Debut
Nikol Demková will represent the Czech Republic in the 1000m and 1500m events, marking her first appearance at the World Championships. She is considered a promising talent with the potential to challenge for a medal.
Demková achieved a personal best time of 1:15.42 in the 1000m at the World Cup event in Stavanger, Norway, on November 19, 2025, and a personal best of 1:56.87 in the 1500m at the same competition. These results demonstrate her improving form and readiness for the World Championships. SpeedSkating.com – Nikol Demková at World Cup Stavanger
Full Czech team Roster
The complete Czech team for the ISU World Speed Skating Championships includes:
- Women: Martina Sáblíková, Nikol Demková, Tereza nejedlová
- Men: Roman Zúbek, Filip Horák, Jan Slabý
The team is coached by Jaroslav Falta, who has led the Czech speed skating program for the past 10 years. Falta stated in a press conference on January 8, 2026, that the team is “well-prepared and focused on achieving their best possible results in calgary.” Czech Television – Czech Team Announcement
Championship Details
The ISU World Speed Skating Championships will be held at the Olympic Oval in Calgary, Canada, from February 13-15, 2026. The event will feature competitions in all distances for both men and women, including the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, 10,000m, and mass start. Tickets and event information are available on the ISU website. ISU world Championships 2026 – Official Website