The Olympic women’s 3000m speed skating event at the 2026 Milano Cortina Games is set to be the first speed skating medal event of 2026. Scheduled for February 7 at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, this long-distance race is set to be wide open with Irene Schouten having retired. Before the action begins in this long-distance speed skating event, you can find my prediction in this event where every skater comes in at plus money to win.
Olympic Women’s 3000m Speed Skating Betting Odds
Below are the latest winner odds for the women’s 3000m event in speed skating at the 2026 Winter Olympics:
- Ragne Wiklund (NOR): +105
- Joy Beune (NED): +115
- Marijke Groenewoud (NED): +500
- Merel Conijn (NED): +1600
- Valerie Maltais (CAN): +2500
- Isabelle Weidemann (CAN): +2500
- Francesca Lollobrigida (ITA): +5000
- Martina Sablikova (CZE): +8000
- Nadezhda Morozova (KAZ): +8000
- All others: +10000 or more
Olympic Women’s 3000m Major Storylines
A handful of storylines will be important as this race unfolds. First is the absence of Irene Schouten. The 2022 Olympic champion retiring from competition leaves a vacuum at the top of women’s long-distance speed skating. That opens the door for a new champion to emerge on the biggest stage in this sport.
Ragne Wiklund has been the most consistent distance performer this season. She has topped the long-distance standings on the World Cup circuit, including a World Cup 5 win in the 3000m with a sub-3:55 finish and a European title earlier in January, making her a logical frontrunner. Joy Beune of the Netherlands is the reigning world champion and has also been a model of consistency, finishing on the podium in every long-distance race this season. Those two skaters will be expected to finish first and second, barring a big surprise on the Italian ice.
Marijke Groenewoud is also a dangerous contender. Dutch long-distance talent is a given at this point, and Groenewoud has shown the ability to challenge in key races this season. Her experience and tactical strength make her a viable value pick for those seeking longer odds. Canadian skater Valerie Maltais and Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida bring veteran experience to the field, though bettors have priced them as longshots due to a lack of recent dominance from them in world competition.
Olympic Women’s 3000m Speed Skating Medal Contenders
Here’s a closer look at the primary contenders who look poised to battle for medals:
- Ragne Wiklund (NOR) – Leading long-distance World Cup standings this season and European champion, Wiklund’s form entering the Olympics is about as strong as any athlete’s. Her consistency over multiple distances gives her an edge going into this race.
- Joy Beune (NED) – Beune’s status as 2025 world champion and her podium streak in long-distance World Cup races make her a good choice for gold. She possesses the pace required to win in a championship setting.
- Marijke Groenewoud (NED) – Another quality Dutch skater in their long-distance skating tradition, Groenewoud has the tools to pull an upset if conditions favor her race style or if one of the favorites falters.
- Merel Conijn (NED) – A developing talent in the Dutch program, she’s priced as a longshot but could challenge for a top finish if she skates a personal best at the right moment.
- Valerie Maltais (CAN) – A veteran presence from Canada, Maltais has shown podium potential this season and could outperform her odds in the biggest race in this distance.
- Francesca Lollobrigida (ITA) – The 2022 Olympic silver medalist in this distance and a strong all-round skater, Lollobrigida has the home-ice crowd advantage but will need an incredible race to truly contend with the favorites.
Women’s 3000m Speed Skating Betting Prediction
Pick:
Confidence: 4 out of 5
Final Thoughts
