The International Skating Union (ISU) Speed Skating World Cup kicked off in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, with an electrifying start as four track records were broken on the first day of competition on Friday. The men's 1,000-meter, women's 1,000-meter, women's 3,000-meter, and men's 5,000-meter events all saw new records, setting the stage for a thrilling weekend of speed skating.
In the men's 1,000-meter race, 20-year-old American sensation Jordan Stolz dazzled the home crowd by clinching the gold medal with a time of 1:06.16. Stolz's remarkable performance not only broke the existing track record but also solidified his dominance this season. Dutch skaters Jenning de Boo and Kjeld Nuis took the silver and bronze medals, respectively. China's Lian Ziwen delivered a respectable performance, finishing 12th with a time of 1:08.28.
Stolz's victory adds to his impressive streak, as he currently tops the World Cup standings in the men's 500-meter, 1,000-meter, and 1,500-meter events. His unwavering form has made him a standout athlete to watch in the speed skating circuit.
On the women's side, Japan's Miho Takagi showcased her exceptional talent by winning the 1,000-meter event in 1:13.56, setting a new track record. Previous track record holder Brittany Bowe of the United States secured the silver medal, while Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong from the Netherlands earned bronze. Takagi's victory highlights her consistent performance and adds excitement to the women's competition.
The long-distance events were equally captivating. Italy's Francesca Lollobrigida claimed the women's 3,000-meter title with a time of 3:54.73, narrowly edging out Norway's Ragne Wiklund by just 0.13 seconds. In the men's 5,000-meter race, Norway's Sander Eitrem delivered a standout performance, setting a new track record and achieving a personal best of 6:04.74 to secure the gold medal.
Yang Binyu of China came in 11th in the women's 300-meter race with a time of 4:01.63. Wu Yu finished the men's 5,000-meter final in 15th place. Their participation underscores the growing competitiveness of Chinese athletes in international speed skating events.
The Milwaukee World Cup event continues through Sunday, with anticipation building for the upcoming 500-meter and 1,500-meter titles to be decided on Saturday. As records continue to fall, athletes and fans alike are eager to see what the rest of the competition holds.
Reference(s):
4 track records refreshed at ISU Speed Skating World Cup in Milwaukee
cgtn.com
