One second. That’s all that stood between Viktor Thorup and his dream to qualify for the Olympics. But today, his skating journey from near-miss to two-time Olympian shows how setbacks can give way to extraordinary achievements.
In our ‘Unlock Your Potential’ series, we’ll delve into Viktor’s story, which reflects dedication, determination and true love for sports.
Tell us who is Viktor
I’m a speed skater who grew up as an inline skater and only switched to ice skating at the age of 18. In 2014, when I was new to ice skating, I narrowly missed qualifying for the Olympics by one second in the 5K race. That moment taught me the importance of preparation.
I promised myself, I’d never look back with regret. Over the years, I refined every detail, pursued a degree in health and nutrition, and committed fully to my sport. This dedication led me to represent Denmark at two Winter Olympics, earning a fifth-place finish, and now, I’m gearing up for my third Winter Olympics in around 450 days.

