Ellia Smeding: British speed skater makes more history with bronze at European Championships

Ellia Smeding made history as the first British woman to win a long track speed skating medal at an international competition.

The 24-year-old skater took a bronze medal at the European Sprint Championships in the 1,000m event in Norway, having gained experience at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

Racing in Hamer, Norway, she could not match the pace of two former world champions, Netherlands duo Jutta Leerdam and Femme Kok, but still took a tremendous third.

“It really motivates me to take the next steps,” she said.

Smeding is something of a modern pioneer as she last year became the first British woman to compete in the Olympic Games speed skating event for 42 years. Her partner Cornelius Kersten became the first British man to compete in the equivalent event at the Olympics in 30 years.

Smeding continued: “I feel I am getting to a higher level. That I finished with a 1,000m podium was a surprise on the one hand but also a confirmation of my hard work.

“I am so happy with this result.”