Long Track Speed Skater Ellia Smeding selected for Team GB at Milano Cortina 2026

With one month to go until the Opening Ceremony of the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games, the British Olympic Association (BOA) has today confirmed Ellia Smeding will represent Team GB in long track speed skating, competing in the 1,000m and 1,500m distances.

Smeding will head to Italy for her second Olympic Winter Games after making history at Beijing 2022, becoming the first female long track speed skater to represent Team GB since 1980. In the lead-up to her Olympic debut, she broke British records in both the 1,000m and 1,500m -before going on to deliver Team GB’s best-ever Olympic result by a female speed skater.

After a challenging previous season disrupted by injury, Smeding has returned to top form this winter - building momentum on the World Cup circuit as she targets her best performances yet in Milan.

Ellia Smeding said:“I’m so excited and grateful to be heading to my second Olympic Games and feel honoured to represent Team GB again on the biggest stage. After overcoming a difficult year of injury, this achievement feels even more special.

“I can’t wait to showcase long track and am working hard to put down my best performances to date in Milan. I’m so excited to not only get to share this experience with my friends and family, but also together with the incredibly talented athletes across the other winter sports. A massive thank you to my support team and family who helped make this possible.”

Team GB Chef de Mission, Eve Muirhead, said:“We are thrilled to welcome Ellia Smeding back to Team GB as our long track speed skater for Milano Cortina 2026. Having already made history at Beijing 2022, we're excited to see the experience, resilience and inspiring talent Ellia showcases on the world stage this February.”

British Ice Skating Performance Director, Jon Eley, said:“We are proud to confirm Ellia as our long track speed skater for Milano Cortina 2026. Returning to competition after a tough year and earning selection for Team GB is thoroughly deserved, and a true testament to her hard work, dedication, and the outstanding support around her.

“We look forward to seeing Ellia representing Team GB in February, whilst inspiring the future generation of long track speed skaters.”

On behalf of everyone at British Ice Skating, huge congratulations to Ellia, her coaches and support staff on this remarkable milestone - we’re incredibly proud of what you’ve achieved to earn selection and can’t wait to support you all the way as you prepare to represent Team GB at Milano Cortina 2026.