US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m, marking a major milestone in her young international career at the Milano Cortina Winter Games. Skating at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium in Italy, Myers completed the race in 4:13.46, gaining valuable Olympic experience despite missing the podium.
For any speed skater, the Olympic Games represent the pinnacle of competition. The women’s 3000m event, in particular, is considered one of the most demanding endurance races in long-track speed skating. It requires pacing discipline, stamina, technical precision, and psychological control over a race lasting more than four minutes.
Although Myers finished outside medal contention, her Olympic debut is viewed as the beginning of a longer Olympic journey rather than a single result.
How the Race Worked
Paired Time-Trial Format
Unlike many Winter Olympic sports, speed skating is not a direct head-to-head race. Athletes compete in pairs and race against the clock, not each other.
Key rules:
- Skaters start in pairs
- Alternate lanes each lap
- Equal distance is covered
- Final rankings depend only on time
Myers raced in the first pairing alongside Canadian skater Laura Hall.
Race Performance
Myers recorded:
4:13.46
Laura Hall finished:
4:06.13
Myers finished more than seven seconds behind Hall. Soon after, faster times from later skaters officially ended any medal hopes.
Next pairing results:
- Merel Conijn (Netherlands): 4:01.65
- Kaitlyn McGregor (Switzerland): 4:04.97
This immediately pushed Myers down the standings as the competition intensified.
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Women’s 3000m Olympic Results Snapshot
| Skater | Country | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Merel Conijn | Netherlands | 4:01.65 |
| Kaitlyn McGregor | Switzerland | 4:04.97 |
| Laura Hall | Canada | 4:06.13 |
| Greta Myers | USA | 4:13.46 |
Why the 3000m is So Difficult
The women’s 3000m is a middle-long distance event — too long to sprint, too short to cruise.
Physical Challenge
Skaters must maintain nearly top speed for 7.5 laps.
Technical Challenge
Balance and blade angle determine glide efficiency.
Tactical Challenge
Poor pacing can ruin the final laps.
Most skaters slow dramatically in the last two laps. Elite medalists actually skate negative splits (faster second half).
Equipment: The Role of Clap Skates
Modern Olympic speed skating uses clap skates, a revolutionary design introduced in the 1990s.
Why clap skates matter:
- Blade remains in contact with ice longer
- Produces stronger push
- Increases glide distance
- Improves efficiency
This technology alone improved world records by several seconds.
Olympic Field Strength
The field included some of the strongest endurance skaters in the world:
- 2022 Beijing silver medalist Francesca Lollobrigida (Italy)
- Olympic bronze medalist Isabelle Weidemann (Canada)
Facing Olympic medalists in her first Olympic race made Myers’ debut even more significant.
Career Significance for Greta Myers
Even though she did not medal, the Olympic debut is critical for several reasons:
1. Olympic Experience
Many athletes perform far better in their second Olympics.
2. Track Familiarity
Understanding ice conditions and Olympic pressure matters.
3. Event Schedule Advantage
Myers will still compete in multiple races.
Upcoming Events for Myers
She will compete in:
Women’s 1500m
A balance of speed and endurance.
Women’s 5000m
Her best endurance opportunity.
Mass Start
A tactical pack-racing event.
These races give her multiple chances to improve performance.
Speed Skating Strategy Explained
Pacing Model
Top skaters follow a lap-time pattern:
| Race Phase | Goal |
|---|---|
| First 2 laps | Controlled acceleration |
| Middle laps | Stable tempo |
| Final laps | Maximum effort |
A mistake in the first lap often costs the final lap.
Key Statistics
| Category | Data |
|---|---|
| Event | Women’s 3000m |
| Venue | Milano Speed Skating Stadium |
| Distance | 3000 meters |
| Laps | 7.5 |
| Greta Myers Time | 4:13.46 |
| Field Size | 20 skaters |
| Race Type | Time trial pairs |
What This Means for Team USA
The United States is rebuilding its women’s long-track speed skating program. Myers represents a new generation of American endurance skaters.
Historically:
- USA strong in sprint events (500m, 1000m)
- Europe dominates endurance events (3000m, 5000m)
Her participation signals development depth rather than immediate medal expectations.
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Future Outlook
Athletes often peak between ages 25-30 in endurance speed skating. That means Myers’ best Olympic chances may come in the next Winter Olympics.
Her Olympic debut provides:
- Experience
- Confidence
- Tactical knowledge
In Olympic sport, first appearances are rarely about medals — they are about learning how to medal later.
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FAQs
1. When did US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m?
US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m at the Milano Cortina Winter Games in Italy.
2. What time did US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m?
She finished the race in 4:13.46.
3. Did US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m win a medal?
No, she finished outside podium contention but gained Olympic experience.
4. What events will follow after US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m?
She will compete in the 1500m, 5000m, and Mass Start events.
5. How does the race work when US speedskater Greta Myers makes Olympic debut in women’s 3000m?
Speed skaters race against the clock in pairs, alternating lanes each lap for equal distance.
