Czech speed skater breaks world record – but off the books

Czech speed skater Metoděj Jílek has surpassed the world record in the 3,000-meter event during a test race in Heerenveen. The 19-year-old completed the distance in 3:34.09, more than three seconds faster than the time set by Norway’s Eskil Ervik in November 2005. However, because Jílek achieved the record at a national event without international referees present, the result will not enter the official world record books. It will, however, be recognized as the track record.