Ellia Smeding Adds 500m to Olympic Schedule After Historic 1000m Result

Ellia Smeding is back on the ice in Long Track Speed Skating at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games - with a new addition to her schedule as she takes on the Women’s 500m, following a landmark performance in the Women’s 1000m.

Earlier this week, Smeding delivered a statement skate in the 1000m, stopping the clock at 1:15.834 to finish 11th overall - the highest Olympic placing Team GB has ever achieved in the Women’s 1000m and just 0.004 off the top 10.

With momentum on her side, Ellia now turns her attention to the 500m - long track speed skating’s pure sprint — before returning for her final individual distance, the 1500m.

What’s next for Team GB's Ellia Smeding

Women’s 500m (new addition)

Smeding now adds the 500m to her Milano Cortina schedule — an explosive distance where the smallest margins make the biggest difference.

Ellia’s season form (500m):

• Fastest time posted this season: 38.06 

  
  

Women’s 1500m (still to come)

The 1500m rounds out Smeding’s Olympic programme — a distance that demands smart pacing, sustained speed, and control from start to finish.

Ellia’s season form (1500m):

• Benchmark time this season: 1:55.32 

  
  

A milestone moment for Team GB

Ellia’s 1000m performance has already set a new benchmark for Team GB on the Olympic stage — and with the 500m now added and the 1500m still to come, there’s more opportunity ahead in Milano Cortina.

How to follow Team GB at Milano Cortina 2026

For the latest schedules, results, and updates on British Ice Skating athletes at the Olympic Winter Games — including how to watch - visit the British Ice Skating Olympic Hub.

And if watching the Games has inspired you to give skating a go yourself, discover how you can take your first steps on the ice through Inspire to Skate.