In a stunning display of speed and endurance, Italy’s Davide Ghiotto shattered the men’s 10,000-meter speedskating world record at the World Cup event in Calgary, Alberta. The 31-year-old phenom clocked an astonishing time of 12 minutes, 25.69 seconds, eclipsing the previous mark set by Sweden’s Nils van der Poel at the 2022 Beijing Olympics by more than five seconds. Ghiotto’s historic performance not only solidified his status as a medal favorite for next year’s Milan-Cortina Olympic Games but also sent shockwaves through the speedskating community.
A Hometown Hero’s Journey
Hailing from the Veneto region in northern Italy, not far from the upcoming Olympic venues, Ghiotto has emerged as a rising star in the world of speedskating. His bronze medal performance in the 10,000 meters at the 2022 Beijing Games served as a prelude to his record-breaking feat in Calgary. With the 2026 Olympics set to take place on his home soil, Ghiotto’s journey from regional prodigy to global sensation is a testament to his unwavering dedication and passion for the sport.
Breaking the world record is a dream come true. To do it so close to the Milan-Cortina Olympics, in front of my family and friends, would be the ultimate achievement.
– Davide Ghiotto
The Science of Speed: Mastering the 10,000 Meters
The 10,000-meter race is a grueling test of both speed and stamina, requiring skaters to maintain a blistering pace for over 12 minutes. Ghiotto’s record-breaking performance showcased his ability to push his body to the limit, maintaining a consistent stride and rhythm throughout the 25-lap ordeal. His technique, honed through years of training and countless hours on the ice, is a marvel of biomechanical efficiency and power.
- Optimal body position: Ghiotto’s low, aerodynamic stance minimizes wind resistance and maximizes speed.
- Explosive leg power: His powerful leg muscles generate immense force with each stride, propelling him forward.
- Mental toughness: The ability to maintain focus and push through the pain is crucial in such a demanding event.
The Road to Milan-Cortina 2026
As the speedskating world turns its attention to the 2026 Winter Olympics, Ghiotto’s record-breaking performance has positioned him as a clear favorite to capture gold on home ice. However, he will face stiff competition from a field of talented skaters, each eager to etch their name in Olympic history.
| Contender | Country | Personal Best |
| Nils van der Poel | Sweden | 12:30.74 |
| Patrick Roest | Netherlands | 12:35.20 |
| Jorrit Bergsma | Netherlands | 12:35.86 |
As Ghiotto continues to push the boundaries of what’s possible on the ice, the speedskating world eagerly awaits the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics, where he will have the opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest distance skaters of all time. With the support of a nation behind him and the power of a record-breaking performance fueling his dreams, Davide Ghiotto’s journey to Olympic glory has only just begun.
