MILAN - Czech speed skater Metoděj Jílek made his debut at the Winter Olympics with a silver medal in the 5000m race. The 19-year-old confirmed his role as one of the favourites and followed up his excellent performance during the World Cup season, in which he dominated the long distances. Only the Norwegian world record holder and reigning world champion Sander Eitrem was above his strength. The bronze was won by the local Italian Riccardo Lorello.
Jílek entered the race with great confidence, which stemmed not only from his stable performance this season, but also from his good knowledge of the fast Milan track. From the opening laps he kept a high pace and for most of the race he was at the front of the standings. For a long time no one could beat his time, until Eitrem got ahead of him at the end, confirming his reputation as the best endurance rider of the moment.
For the Czech team in Milan and Cortina d'Ampezzo, it is the second valuable metal at these Games and a significant success for a young athlete who has only recently become one of the world's elite. „It's incredible. I came here to gain experience and to take home a medal,“ said Jilek after the race. The silver from the five-kilometre course is a promise for the future and a confirmation that Czech speed skating has another distinctive personality that can be counted on at other top events.
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