Sander Eitrem Triumphs Over Pressure to Claim Olympic Gold in Men's 5,000m
Norwegian speedskater Sander Eitrem transformed from self-described "underdog" to "favorite" in the men's 5,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Olympics after shattering the world record just last month. However, this newfound status brought immense pressure, which nearly derailed his Winter Games debut on Sunday. Eitrem stumbled in his initial strides off the line, a moment he attributed to an adrenaline surge that left him struggling to move.
From Nervous Start to Record-Breaking Finish
Despite the shaky beginning, Eitrem quickly regained his composure, skating with smooth, powerful strokes to secure a gold medal and set an Olympic-record time of 6 minutes, 3.95 seconds. This performance was more than 2.5 seconds faster than 19-year-old Czech silver medalist Metodej Jilek. Reflecting on his early mishap, Eitrem chuckled, saying, "For sure, you're getting stressed." He explained that it took him about 200-300 meters to regroup and enter his "own bubble" to focus on the race.
Competitors Share Similar Experiences
Eitrem's experience resonated with other skaters, including American Casey Dawson, who finished eighth. Dawson, who missed the 5,000 meters in Beijing due to a positive COVID-19 test, noted that such nerves are common on such a grand stage, causing skaters' feet to "forget what to do the first couple of steps." Eitrem admitted that after his initial mistake, fear crept in, making it easier to commit another error, but he managed to push through those thoughts.
Dominant Performance and Emotional Victory
By the 1,400-meter mark, Eitrem had overtaken Jilek, his heat competitor, and continued to pull away decisively. Jilek acknowledged Eitrem's superiority, stating, "I knew he was the guy to beat today, which he proved." Although Eitrem did not approach his sub-6-minute world record set in Germany on January 24, his Olympic-record time was nearly 6 seconds faster than the previous standard. He celebrated by shaking and raising his right fist upon realizing his victory.
Notable Reactions and Host Nation's Success
The event drew attention from high-profile spectators, including U.S. Vice President JD Vance, who mouthed "Oh, wow" after seeing Eitrem's time displayed on the arena's video boards. Meanwhile, Riccardo Lorello from Milan earned Italy a bronze medal, following speedskater Francesca Lollobrigida's gold in the women's 3,000 meters the previous day, marking the host nation's first gold of these Olympics.
Emotional Aftermath and Relief
After the race, Eitrem expressed a whirlwind of emotions, saying, "One second, I was crying. And then the next one, I was just enjoying the moment." He highlighted the intense pressure he faced in the days leading up to the event, adding, "To manage to pull it off—it's a good feeling." This victory not only cements his status as a top speedskater but also showcases his ability to overcome psychological hurdles on the world's biggest stage.
