Speed skating ranks among the most relatable Winter Olympic disciplines. Many have navigated a local ice rink, but this event intensifies the action on a 400-meter indoor oval. Athletes compete individually against the clock, collaborate in team pursuits, or clash in high-stakes mass starts that often deliver surprises.
Events at Milano Cortina 2026
Organizers schedule 14 speed skating events. Women tackle the 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m, 3,000m, 5,000m, mass start, and team pursuit. Men face the 500m, 1,000m, 1,500m, 5,000m, 10,000m, mass start, and team pursuit.
Top Contenders to Watch
American standout Jordan Stolz leads the pack after dominating the 500m, 1,000m, and 1,500m on the World Cup circuit, positioning him for multiple gold medals. Dutch athletes challenge strongly, including Jutta Leerdam in the women’s 1,000m and Stijn van de Bunt in longer distances. Mass starts and team pursuits frequently produce tactical twists.
This classic sport debuted at the Olympics in 1924, with origins tracing back to the 1600s. Simplicity defines it: the fastest athlete prevails.
Free Live Streams for Speed Skating
Viewers in several countries access speed skating streams at no cost, including the UK, Ireland, Australia, and Canada.
- UK: BBC iPlayer
- Canada: CBC Gem
- Australia: 9Now
- Ireland: RTÉ Player
In the US, NBC, USA Network, and CNBC broadcasts come free via YouTube TV’s 21-day trial.
Traveling abroad? A VPN unlocks domestic streaming services from anywhere.
US Viewing Options
Peacock streams every speed skating event live with a Premium plan starting at $10.99 monthly or $109.99 yearly. NBC, USA Network, and CNBC air select coverage; check daily schedules. These channels reach most cable packages and services like Sling TV or YouTube TV. Abroad? Connect via VPN to reach Peacock.
UK Viewing Guide
BBC One or BBC Two airs key sessions, with streams on BBC iPlayer and the BBC Sport site. Free coverage focuses on medal races. For full access, Discovery+ offers comprehensive streams from £3.99 monthly. Outside the UK? A VPN restores access to BBC iPlayer or Discovery+.
Canada Broadcast Details
CBC holds rights, streaming select events free-to-air on CBC Sports. CBC Gem delivers over 2,000 hours of live and on-demand action, covering all speed skating. Not in Canada? Use a VPN for seamless viewing.
Australia Coverage
9Now provides free select events, while Stan Sport ensures complete speed skating with an add-on at AU$20 monthly atop a Stan base plan from AU$12. Traveling? A VPN accesses 9Now or Stan Sport.
New Zealand Streams
Sky Sport NZ broadcasts the events via satellite or Sky Sport Now, priced at $29.99 daily or $54.99 monthly. Abroad for work? A VPN connects to home services.
