Speed Skating Discussion | Qualification to Winter Olympic Games Milano Cortina 2026

[Kerkun 91]

57 minutes ago, Bailer said:

Is it that bad? Who are some other Polish medal contenders?

No, it's not that. In speed skating alone we still have at least 3 medal contenders - Semirunniy at 10,000m M (our biggest hope), Żurek at 500m and 1000m M, Ziomek-Nogal at 500m W. Kania at 500m M and Wójcik at 500m W are also capable of being near the podium on their good days. Other than these, we count on the mixed relay in the short-track and snowboarders in Parallel Giant Slalom.

[Kerkun 91]

pls delete

Edited December 14, 2025 by Kerkun

[Kerkun 91]

pls delete

Edited December 14, 2025 by Kerkun

[SalamAkhi 359]

6 hours ago, copravolley said:

In addition, France has no indoor track and 0 tradition in this sport and in 2030 they will probably organize the speed skating competitions in... Turin.

It looks like Heerenveen has the edge. There were talks backstage during the WC at Thialf and I assume the Netherlands will offer some interesting favors to the French federation as a reward for this once in a lifetime chance of hosting the Games. French skaters will probably relocate there and benefit from the installations. We'll know soon enough.

[copravolley 657]

1 minute ago, SalamAkhi said:

It looks like Heerenveen has the edge. There were talks backstage during the WC at Thialf and I assume the Netherlands will offer some interesting favors to the French federation as a reward for this once in a lifetime chance of hosting the Games. French skaters will probably relocate there and benefit from the installations. We'll know soon enough.

The last time the Turin track was used —I don't know when—2006? Turin is closer to southern France than the Netherlands, though. Maybe Inzell?

[intoronto 6,947]

Canada would have won silver in the men's team pursuit here but wont be going to the Olympics due to a fall in stage 1.

 

 

[copravolley 657]

Despite all this, the ice is often better in Group B. Yesterday, the Dane from Group B almost stood on the podium with the best...

[SalamAkhi 359]

3 minutes ago, copravolley said:

The last time the Turin track was used —I don't know when—2006? Turin is closer to southern France than the Netherlands, though. Maybe Inzell?

Inzell is not in talks. Turin would be the obvious choice to keep the sport close to the heartland of those already widespread Games, while Heerenveen is probably the worst option if we only look at this one fortnight (further from southeast France, almost Dutch-only attendance). But for that option to be seriously considered the upside must be significant. If the (probably) strongest French Olympic delegation of the sport has to become the first one to contest its home Olympics in another country, then at least offer them some benefits. 

[copravolley 657]

7 minutes ago, SalamAkhi said:

Inzell is not in talks. Turin would be the obvious choice to keep the sport close to the heartland of those already widespread Games, while Heerenveen is probably the worst option if we only look at this one fortnight (further from southeast France, almost Dutch-only attendance). But for that option to be seriously considered the upside must be significant. If the (probably) strongest French Olympic delegation of the sport has to become the first one to contest its home Olympics in another country, then at least offer them some benefits. 

I think that if France wins a medal in Milan, Macron will say that they'll build their own track in 2030. The only question is, what will the public reaction be? Because in ITA, of course, everyone complained that there was no point in spending money on some bobsleigh track in Cortina, etc. (It's best not to build anything, anytime at all :P). On the other hand, Macron won't run again, so he can make unpopular decisions, but they're good for the sport, for example.

Edited December 14, 2025 by copravolley

[Topicmaster1010 6,614]

 Portugal will be competing in speed skating at the Olympics again for the first time since 1998