On February 11, the Beijing Winter Olympics speed skating men's 10,000 meters was held at the National Speed Skating Hall "Ice Ribbon". Sweden's Nils van der Poul skated 12:30.74 to win gold with a huge advantage, while also breaking the world record he set in February 2021 (12:32.95) and the Olympic record set by Canada's Bremen at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Olympics (12:39.77). Dutch player Patrick Rust finished second and Italy's David Giotto took bronze.
Van der Poul celebrates the victory. Beijing Daily client reporter Deng Wei photographed
After the game, Van der Poul said excitedly: "I am really so satisfied, [the results] are much better than I thought!" He revealed that he did not decide to hit the world record until the final stages of the race, "I usually don't take risks too early, and with 5 laps left I know I have a good chance of breaking the record, so I let it go." Winning two consecutive gold medals in the 5,000m and 10,000m, Van der Poule is the undisputed "king of long distances" in men's speed skating in today's ice world. At the post-match press conference, he once again praised the "ice ribbon", "The ice surface is particularly outstanding, very suitable for the game, really thanks to the ice makers and staff." ”
Rust, who finished runner-up, said that compared to the 5,000 meters, the 10,000 meters is not his main event, "I have long thought that Van der Poul will surpass my results, the silver medal is already very good, I am very happy." ”
Van der Poul (top) and Giotto (bottom) start in a group. Beijing Daily client reporter Deng Wei photographed
Third-placer Giotto, who played in the same group as Van der Poul, said after the game that the latter is definitely the strongest person in the long distance event at the moment, "It's really not easy to skate with him, but it also drove me." During the game, I saw him accelerate to the world record, but I wasn't too far away from him, so I told myself during the game that I skated well today. ”