Ellia Smeding to Compete at the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026

British long track speed skater Ellia Smeding has been selected to represent Great Britain at the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026 taking place 5th-8th March, 2026 in Heerenveen, Netherlands.

This combined world championships brings together the sport’s best athletes from around the world to compete in both allround and sprint disciplines over four days of racing. Ellia will focus on the sprint component, taking part in the 500 m and 1000 m distances — racing each twice as part of the sprint championship format.

Sprint Format Explained

At the ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026, sprint competitors race four times:

Day 1

• 500 m — Race 1

• 1000 m — Race 1

Day 2

• 500 m — Race 2

• 1000 m — Race 2

  
  

Skaters are ranked based on cumulative points from all four races. Consistency and raw speed over both distances are key to a strong overall result.

Fresh from Milano Cortina

Ellia arrives in Heerenveen on the back of an outstanding Olympic Winter Games at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics in February, where she delivered Team GB’s best-ever long track performance in the women’s sprint distances.

At the Olympic Speed Skating Stadium, Ellia competed with determination and precision across the 1000 m and 1500 m events, showcasing improved speed and tactical race execution - capstones of a career-best Olympic campaign. That breakthrough in Italy - combined with her ongoing progression on the World Cup circuit - makes her a strong contender in the sprint competition in Heerenveen.

Timetable (UK Time)

(Please check final start lists closer to race sessions as times can change on the official ISU schedule.)

Thursday, March 5th

18:00 - 1st 500m Women

19:23 - 1st 1000m Women 

Friday, March 6th

18:00 - 2nd 500m Women

19:23 - 2nd 1000m Women

(All times listed in UK time / GMT.)

How to Watch ISU Speed Skating World Championships 2026

All sprint races will be streamed live on the official ISU YouTube channel - giving fans around the world the chance to follow every lap and split. Details on links and session streams are shared on the ISU’s official channels in advance of each competition day.

Ellia’s participation at the World Championships marks another major step in her rising international profile. With sprint races packed with elite rivalries and blistering speed, this event is sure to deliver memorable racing and another chance for Ellia to shine on the world stage.

Stay tuned to British Ice Skating for news, reaction and updates throughout the championships.