GREAT START TO THE CHAMPIONSHIP
Photo: Leonie Richarz
Author: Jamil Dost
This week’s competitions started off today, and what a start we got!
The day started pleasantly at “Vandrerhjemmet”. Everyone had breakfast and focused on today's competitions. Once the meal was finished, most of them prepared by heading to “Vikingskipet” for a test of the skates and the track. The conclusion was unanimous; the ice was good, and the participants were ready for the competition! However, it had to wait a bit as lunch was on the agenda first.
Womens, 1000 meters
Finally, this year's championship in Hamar kicked off! The women started the show with the 1000-meter race. 12 pairs went out against each other, competing to achieve the best time. It was Natalia Jabrzyk from Poland who came out on top with a time of 01:20.02. Shortly after came, Hina Onodera from Japan and Hana Noake - also from Japan.
Read more about the women’s 1000 meters HERE.
Mens, 1000 meters
After an exhilarating start, it was time for the men to follow up the standard set by the women. Similar to the women's event, there were twelve pairs competing for a spot on the podium. Among the 24 athletes, it was Marek Kania from Poland who stood out the most. He raced swiftly and delivered a time of 01:11.21. In second place was Issa Gunji from Japan, while the third-place position went to Yuuta Hirose from Japan.
Read more about the men’s 1000 meters HERE.
Womens, 3000 meters
The 1000 meters could be considered a calm start to the day, as longer distances were soon to follow. Once again, the women started the races. There were only 6 pairs competing to determine a winner. Hana Noake followed up on her bronze from the 1000 meters, and delivered an impressive performance and secured the gold medal. Following closely with a time of 04:23.42 was Zuzana Kursova from Czech Republic. Taking third place was our very own, Hanna Svenni from Norway. Her time was 04:24.55.
Read more about the women’s 3000 meters HERE.
Mens, 5000 meters
Now it was time for the men to challenge themselves in the 5000 meters. Thibualt Métraux from Switzerland has, throughout his career, achieved the best personal record among the participants. One wonders whether it can happen again? Unfortunately for the Swiss internation, he just missed out on a medal. In the end, a staggering of three Norwegians overtook the podium. In first place was Kasper Tveter, whilst John Granli and Sander Tveter finished in second and third place, respectively.
Read more about the men’s 5000 meters HERE.
That marked the end of today's sporting affairs. We had a fantastic start to the championship with plenty of great speed skating. With such a beginning, there's much more to look forward to throughout the week.
