On the longest distance in women’s speed skating, Marina Zueva rounded out the top six with a time of 6:57.70. The Belarusian finished more than ten seconds behind the medalists. Marina matched her best ever Olympic result. In 2018 she also finished sixth, in the mass start event.

«I wanted to start the lap faster, but I just didn’t feel the speed. I let my opponent get ahead, then caught up pretty well. There were a lot of time swings. The last few laps felt good. The ice was soft, but my blade dug in cleanly, it was easier to control. Toward the end of the race, they started showing my opponent’s lap times. I could see her seconds dropping. I realized I had to hold my pace, she’s a young athlete, and I’m more experienced. I decided I wasn’t going to give up this race, and I managed to hold on. I always believe in myself on the 5,000m. I’ve competed in this distance so many times. So no matter what shape I’m in, I know I’ll perform well in the event,» Marina Zueva said after the race.

The Olympic Games 2026 has brought together 2,900 athletes from 94 countries in Italy. Competing for medals in the coming days will be the following Belarusian athletes: Victoriia Safonova (figure skating), Maria Shkanova (alpine skiing), and Hanna Huskova, Anna Derugo, and Anastasiya Andryianava (aerials).