Milano Cortina 2026: Day 9 recap - solo speed, Season’s Best smiles, and Ana & Luke through to the Free Skate

Day 9 at Milano Cortina 2026 delivered another memorable chapter for British Ice Skating, with Ellia Smeding taking on the pure sprint of the Women’s 500m in long track speed skating, before Anastasia Vaipan-Law & Luke Digby produced a standout Pairs Short Program to secure their place in tomorrow’s Free Skate on their Olympic debut.

From the first push of the day to the final salute, it was a day defined by composure, commitment, and performances that matched the moment.

Long Track Speed Skating: Ellia Smeding opens the Women’s 500m (25th, 38.93)

The Women’s 500m is long track speed skating at its most unforgiving — an all-out sprint where the smallest margins can decide places. Ellia Smeding was first on the ice, racing solo with no one to chase, setting the early benchmark for the field.

Stopping the clock at 38.93,

Ellia finished 25th, delivering a strong, attacking skate under the unique pressure of opening the event. Racing alone in the first pairing is a challenge in itself — and Ellia met it with an impressive pace and total focus from start to finish.

Result: Women’s 500m — 25th | 38.93

Figure Skating: Ana & Luke deliver a clean Short Program (13th, SB 66.07) to qualify for tomorrow

Later in the day, it was time for the Pairs Short Program - and Anastasia Vaipan-Law & Luke Digby rose to the occasion with a confident, composed performance on their Olympic debut.

Skating a clean programme, the Team GB pair scored a Season’s Best 66.07, finishing 13th and qualifying for tomorrow’s Free Skate. The score also marked an improvement of almost 10 points from their Team Event outing earlier in the Games - a clear reflection of the work, the learning, and the momentum they’ve built.

After the skate, Ana spoke about the mindset that powered their performance:

“I think we were both determined to make sure we were absolutely spot on today. We were both absolutely ready to give it 100% and make sure we delivered. We really did do that. I think we both finished that programme delighted with the way it went. We couldn't have done anymore.”

She also reflected on how living in the Olympic environment has shaped their approach:

“We stayed in the village and continued our days here and we got so used to seeing the rings in every place we went to. It didn't change, everything got more natural.”

And on the mental strength gained from being part of the full Games experience:

“What's been good being here so late into the competition is that I feel like it has helped me mentally. I have seen the ups and downs of every single athlete. It's been such a range of emotions that it has allowed me to take a step back.”

Luke summed up what it meant to deliver their best when it mattered most:

“We're pretty overwhelmed in the most positive way ever. It's something you dream of to skate your best, especially at the Olympic Games.”

He also highlighted how the schedule has made their Olympic experience feel like two chapters:

“I think the gap really helped, it almost feels like two different competitions. That week feels almost like a month.”

And the feeling of support around them in the arena:

“It's our second home. We've got such a nice team around us. All our family were here today.”

“I think we have embraced everything, the whole event of the Olympics. It's been nice having the little bit of time watching events.”

Result: Pairs Short Program — 13th | Season’s Best 66.07 | Qualified for the Free Skate

What’s next for Team GB on the ice at Milano Cortina 2026

• Ana & Luke return tomorrow for the Pairs Free Skate, with the full schedule and viewing information available in the British Ice Skating Olympic Hub.

  
  

Keep up with the action

For the latest schedules, results, and how to watch, visit the British Ice Skating Olympic Hub.

Inspired to get involved?

Watching the world’s best compete has a way of sparking something - and Inspire To Skate is here to help you take that next step. Whether it’s speed skating or figure skating that’s caught your eye, there’s a place for everyone on the ice.

Head to the British Ice Skating Olympic Hub to learn more about Inspire to Skate and how to get started.