Norway’s Sander Eitrem delivered a historic performance on Saturday, smashing the men’s 5,000-metre world record during the ISU Speed Skating World Cup event in Inzell and underlining his status as one of the sport’s leading long-distance skaters.
Skating with remarkable control and pace, Eitrem powered around the ice at the Max Aicher Arena to become the first athlete in history to break the six-minute barrier over the 5,000m distance. His stunning run erased the previous world record and sent the crowd into raptures as he crossed the finish line.
The Norwegian, who has been in outstanding form throughout the season, said the race came together perfectly, crediting fast ice conditions and strong competition for pushing him to new limits. “Everything felt right from the start,” Eitrem said. “I knew it was a special race when I heard the lap times.”
Eitrem’s achievement is a major milestone ahead of the 2026 Winter Olympics, where he is expected to be one of Norway’s top medal hopes. The record also reinforces Norway’s rich tradition in speed skating, a sport in which the country has enjoyed decades of international success.
Behind Eitrem, several skaters also produced strong times, highlighting the depth of competition in the men’s long-distance events. Coaches and analysts described the race as a sign that performances are reaching a new level as athletes continue to push the physical and technical boundaries of the sport.
