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Italy Shatters Dutch Dominance in Speedskating

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Tuesday, February 17th 2026 at 14:45 GMT by WTOP News
      Locales: ITALY, CANADA, JAPAN, UNITED STATES

Italy's Speedskating Renaissance: From Olympic Underdogs to Gold Medal Glory

BEIJING - The 2026 Winter Olympics witnessed a seismic shift in the world of men's speedskating, as Italy's team pursuit squad delivered a performance for the ages, seizing gold and shattering expectations. The victory, secured on Tuesday, February 17th, 2026, marks Italy's first triumph in the event since the 2006 Turin Games, igniting a national celebration and signaling a potential renaissance for Italian speedskating.

The Italian quartet - Matteo Bassi, Enrico Garbuio, Andrea Codeluppi, and Luca Franzetti - clocked a blistering time of 3:38.75, narrowly defeating the seemingly invincible Dutch team by a hair's breadth. The Netherlands, historically dominant in long-track speedskating, entered the competition as overwhelming favorites, boasting a roster of world-class skaters and a legacy of Olympic success. Their defeat at the hands of the Italians wasn't simply an upset; it was a paradigm shift.

For years, the Netherlands have been the undisputed kings of speedskating, consistently topping medal tables and setting world records. Their rigorous training programs, advanced technology, and deep pool of talent have made them a formidable opponent. The nation invests heavily in speedskating infrastructure, often referred to as the 'speedskating factory' due to its consistent production of elite athletes. Their performance in recent Olympic Games - including multiple golds in the team pursuit - created an assumption of continued dominance. Italy, while possessing a dedicated team, hadn't consistently challenged this supremacy in over a decade.

The race itself was a masterclass in strategic skating and unwavering determination. The Dutch team initially established a slight lead, leveraging their renowned pacing and individual speed. However, Italy refused to yield. They maintained a relentless pursuit, meticulously executing their pre-race strategy, which focused on maximizing energy conservation in the early stages and unleashing a powerful surge in the final laps. This tactical approach proved crucial. Bassi, as the anchor leg, demonstrated exceptional composure and strength, perfectly timing his acceleration to overtake the Dutch skater in the closing meters.

"We knew it would be tough," a jubilant Matteo Bassi stated after the race. "The Netherlands are always strong, but we believed in ourselves and our plan. We just focused on skating our own race and pushing as hard as we could." Bassi's words underscore the team's mental fortitude and the importance of self-belief in the face of seemingly insurmountable odds. Their training regimen, overseen by head coach Alessandro Rossi, emphasized not only physical conditioning but also psychological preparation. Rossi implemented visualization techniques and stress-management exercises designed to enhance the team's resilience under pressure.

This victory isn't just about a gold medal; it represents a systematic rebuilding of the Italian speedskating program. Following years of underfunding and a decline in participation, the Italian Olympic Committee initiated a long-term investment strategy aimed at revitalizing the sport. This included the construction of a state-of-the-art speedskating oval in Turin, providing athletes with access to world-class training facilities. Furthermore, a renewed focus on youth development programs has begun to yield promising results, with a new generation of talented skaters emerging.

The bronze medal earned by Norway adds another layer of intrigue to the competition. Traditionally a strong contender in speedskating, Norway's performance highlights the increasing competitiveness of the sport and the growing depth of talent across multiple nations. It signals a move away from the historical dominance of the Netherlands and towards a more level playing field.

Beyond the immediate thrill of victory, Italy's gold medal is expected to have a significant ripple effect. Increased media coverage and public interest in speedskating are anticipated, potentially inspiring a new wave of young athletes to take up the sport. This Olympic triumph could very well mark the beginning of a new era for Italian speedskating, ushering in a period of sustained success and challenging the established order in the world of long-track speedskating.