Czech speed skating legend Martina Sáblíková has announced her retirement after a 22-year career, leaving the sport as one of its most dominant endurance specialists, following an emotional farewell in Heerenveen.

The three-time Olympic champion retires with 7 Olympic medals (3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze), along with an extraordinary record of 5 World Allround titles and 16 World Single Distance titles, cementing her place among the sport’s all-time greats.

Martina Sablikova reacts after the Women’s 3000m race at the ISU World Speed Skating Allround and Sprint Championships 2026 in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU

A career spanning more than two decades

Sáblíková’s journey at the top level began in 2004, and over the next 22 years she became synonymous with endurance skating, dominating the longer distances with unmatched consistency.

Her longevity and success helped define an era in women’s speed skating, inspiring generations of athletes across the world.

 Martina Sablikova skates to first place as she set a new world record in taking the gold medal in the women's 5000m at the 2007 ISU World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships in Salt Lake City, USA. © Getty Images

Martina Sablikova smiles with her gold medal during the medals ceremony on the podium of the Women's 3000m Speed Skating event at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010, Canada. © Getty Images

ilver medalist Ireen Wust of the Netherlands, gold medalist Martina Sablikova of the Czech Republic and bronze medalist Carien Kleibeuker of the Netherlands celebrate on the podium during the medal ceremony for the Speed Skating Women's 5000m at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014, Russia. © Getty Images

A farewell at Thialf

Her final appearance came at Thialf in Heerenveen during the ISU World Allround Speed Skating Championships 2026.

As she stepped onto the ice for her last 3000m, the crowd rose to its feet even before the start, delivering a standing ovation in recognition of her legacy.

“It was the best 3000m I ever skated,” Sáblíková said after leaving the ice.

Martina Sablikova waves after competing in the Women's 3000m at the ISU World Speed Skating Allround and Sprint Championships 2026 in Heerenveen, Netherlands. © Getty Imags

From fear to belonging

The moment stood in stark contrast to her first experience at Thialf as a 16-year-old at the European Championships in 2004.

“My first time here, I went onto the ice and just wanted to go back downstairs because I was scared of so many people,” she recalled.

 “But when you come back again and again, you start to enjoy the atmosphere.”

Miho Takagi and Martina Sablikova celebrate ending their careers during ISU World Speed Skating Allround And Sprint Championships 2026 in Heerenveen, Netherlands. © ISU

A legacy beyond titles

While her achievements on the ice are among the most decorated in the sport, Sáblíková’s impact extended far beyond medals.

Widely respected by her peers, she was known not only for her competitive excellence but also for her character and sportsmanship.

“I am proud of every medal, but the most important thing for me is friendship,” she said.
 “We compete against each other, but at the same time, we support each other. That’s what I love about this sport.”

Martina Sáblíková – Career highlights

• Olympic medals: 7 (3 gold, 2 silver, 2 bronze)
• Olympic champion: three-time (two at the Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010, one at the Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014)

  - Olympic Winter Games Vancouver 2010 - 2 Gold (3000m and 5000m)

  - Olympic Winter Games Sochi 2014 - 1 Gold (5000m), 1 Silver (3000m)

  - Olympic Winter Games PyeongChang 2018 - 1 Silver (5000m)

  - Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 - 2 Bronze (3000m and 5000m)

• World Allround titles : 5
• World Single Distance titles: 16
• International career span: 2004–2026

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