Can Italy Secure Gold in the Mixed Speed Skating Relay?

Italy has clinched the gold medal in the mixed speed skating relay at the 2026 Winter Olympics, with Canada securing silver and Belgium taking home the bronze. Notably, the defending champions, China, have failed to make it onto the podium this time around, marking a significant upset in the competition.

Last updated: 19 October 2023 (BST)

What’s happening now

The victory for Italy in the mixed speed skating relay adds to their growing success in the Winter Olympics, showcasing their prowess on the ice. The event has been particularly thrilling this year, drawing significant attention as teams from around the world compete for medals. The unexpected absence of China from the podium has raised questions about their performance and strategy, as they were the defending champions.

Key takeaways

• Italy wins gold in the mixed speed skating relay.
• Canada takes silver, while Belgium claims bronze.
• Defending champions China do not medal in this event.

Timeline: how we got here

The mixed speed skating relay has seen various developments leading up to the 2026 Winter Olympics. Key milestones include:

• February 2022: China wins gold in the same event at the Beijing Winter Olympics.
• January 2023: Italy and Canada emerge as strong contenders in the World Cup series.
• October 2023: The mixed speed skating relay event takes place, with Italy securing gold.

What’s new vs what’s known

New today/this week

Italy's victory in the mixed speed skating relay is a new highlight of the ongoing Winter Olympics, demonstrating their competitive edge. This win reflects a significant shift in the dynamics of the sport, especially considering China's unexpected failure to medal.

What was already established

Prior to these Olympics, China was regarded as a dominant force in speed skating, having secured multiple medals in previous competitions. Italy and Canada have been consistently improving, making their recent performances less surprising.

Impact for the UK

Consumers and households

The success of Italy in the Winter Olympics may influence the popularity of winter sports in the UK, potentially leading to increased investment in local training facilities and programmes. This might encourage more youth participation in speed skating.

Businesses and jobs

As winter sports gain popularity, businesses related to sporting goods, training facilities, and event management may see increased demand. Job opportunities in these sectors could expand as a result.

Policy and regulation

The performance of national teams at the Olympics often influences government funding for sports. A successful showing by Italy may lead to increased support for winter sports programmes in the UK, although this is contingent on the overall performance of British athletes.

Numbers that matter

• Italy's first mixed relay gold since 2006.
• Canada's silver marks their second consecutive podium finish in this event.
• Belgium's bronze is their first Olympic medal in speed skating.

Definitions and jargon buster

• Mixed speed skating relay: A competitive event where teams of male and female skaters race in succession to complete a set distance.
• Winter Olympics: An international multi-sport event held every four years, featuring winter sports.

How to think about the next steps

Near term (0–4 weeks)

As the Olympics progress, attention will turn to the performances of other countries, particularly the UK. Fans can expect to see how the results influence training and support for athletes in the lead-up to future competitions.

Medium term (1–6 months)

Post-Olympics, analysis of the event outcomes will likely lead to discussions on funding allocation for winter sports in the UK, potentially shaping future policies.

Signals to watch

• Performance of UK athletes in upcoming events.
• Changes in government funding or support for winter sports.
• Participation rates in local speed skating clubs and programmes.

Practical guidance

Do

• Stay updated on Olympic events and results.
• Engage with local sports clubs to learn more about winter sports.

Don’t

• Assume that past performances guarantee future success.
• Neglect the importance of grassroots support for athletes.

Checklist

• Follow major Olympic events and highlights.
• Consider attending local winter sports events to support athletes.
• Explore opportunities for youth involvement in winter sports.

Risks, caveats, and uncertainties

It remains uncertain how the performance of teams in the Winter Olympics will affect their future strategies. China’s failure to medal may prompt a reassessment of their training methods, while Italy's success could lead to increased pressure to maintain their winning streak. The landscape of competitive speed skating may shift as teams adapt to these results.

Bottom line

Italy's gold in the mixed speed skating relay highlights their growing dominance in the sport, while Canada and Belgium’s podium finishes reflect the emerging competitiveness of other nations. As the Winter Olympics continue, the implications of these results will reverberate through sports policy and grassroots engagement in the UK.

FAQs

Who won the gold medal in the mixed speed skating relay?

Italy won the gold medal in the mixed speed skating relay at the 2026 Winter Olympics.

What medal did Canada win?

Canada secured the silver medal in the mixed speed skating relay.

Which country did not medal in this event?

The defending champions, China, did not medal in the mixed speed skating relay.