Ellia Smeding: British long-track speed skater secures historic podium spot
- Published
Ellia Smeding finished sixth overall
Ellia Smeding has become the first British woman to finish on the podium during an international long track speed-skating competition.
The 24-year-old finished third in one of the 1,000m races at the European Sprint Championships in Hamer, Norway.
She was beaten by Dutch former world champions Jutta Leerdam, who finished first, and Femke Kok.
"It really motivates me to take the next steps," said Smeding, who competed at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.
Smeding finished sixth overall in the competition that comprises two 1,000m races and two over 500m.
Last year she became the first British woman for 42 years to compete in the speed skating event at an Olympic Games. Her partner Cornelius Kersten, 28, was the first British man to compete in the event at the Games for 30 years.
Smeding, who competes professionally for Team Novus, added: "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."