Maybritt Vigl is about to experience her next highlight. © ANSA / TERESA SUAREZ

The next highlight: World Championship debut for Maybritt Vigl

This week, the world's elite speed skaters are gathering at the historic Thialf Stadium in Heerenveen, Netherlands, for the World Championships in the all-around and sprint events. The arena is considered the most popular venue for international speed skating – renowned for its unique atmosphere and passionate crowds.

March 04, 2026

From: pm/det

The sprint pentathlon kicks off the competition on March 5th and 6th. The program includes two 500-meter races and two 1000-meter races each day. This is followed on March 7th and 8th by the all-around pentathlon, with distances ranging from 500 to 10.000 meters.

Also competing is 21-year-old Maybritt Vigl (Carabinieri) from South Tyrol. The 1000-meter specialist will compete in the sprint all-around, alongside her teammate Serena Pergher, who finished fourth in the 500 meters at the Olympic Games. This is Vigl's first regular World Championship at the senior level, having already participated in three Junior World Championships (2022, 2023, and 2024).

"It's all very short notice, but I will do my best as always." Maybritt Vigl

The newly crowned Olympian had only been home for a week before traveling directly to Heerenveen for the final stop of this long speed skating season. Despite the short break, she is looking forward to the major event with motivation: "I'm delighted to have this opportunity. It's all very last-minute, but as always, I'll give it my all and hope for some good results. It's my first World Championships, and I'm excited to see what awaits me – I'm definitely looking forward to it."

Olympic champion Leerdam was also present

In the women's sprint all-around, defending champion Miho Takagi (JPN) is once again among the top favorites. Strong competition comes primarily from the Netherlands, including Femke Kok, Olympic champion in the 500 meters, and Jutta Leerdam, Olympic champion in the 1000 meters.

Jutta Leerdam is also present. © APA/afp / WANG ZHAO

In the men's race, defending champion Ning Zhongyan (CHN) is one of the top contenders. He will be challenged by, among others, the Dutchman Jenning de Boo, the experienced Canadian Laurent Dubreuil, and the American Jordan Stolz, who was one of the dominant sprinters of last season.

In the women's all-around competition, defending champion Joy Beune is once again considered the benchmark. However, with Norway's Ragne Wiklund and the two Dutch athletes Marijke Groenewoud and Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, the Olympic champion in the 1500 meters, there are other strong medal contenders.

In the men's all-around competition, Jordan Stolz will start as the defending champion. His strongest challengers include Norway's Sander Eitrem, Olympic champion in the 5000 meters, and the young Pole Vladimir Semirunniy.