Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam etched her name into Olympic history on Monday, securing gold in the women's 1,000-meter event at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Games. Teammate Femke Kok completed a Netherlands podium sweep with silver, as both athletes shattered the previous Olympic record in a thrilling display of athleticism.
"This is surreal. I still can't believe it. I can't wait to celebrate with my family and friends. It's just a dream come true," Leerdam told reporters post-race, her voice trembling with emotion.
Kok initially set the ice ablaze with a record-breaking 1:12.59 run, surpassing Japan's Miho Takagi's 2018 Beijing mark of 1:13.19. The lead proved short-lived as Leerdam, skating in the 13th pairing, delivered a masterclass performance clocking 1:12.31 – a time that held through the final two races.
"When I saw that green [color] next to my name, I thought, 'this is a dream come true'," Leerdam recalled, describing the moment she realized she'd clinched victory. "That I peaked at the right moment is just insane."
The result reinforces the Netherlands' reputation as a speed skating powerhouse, marking their third consecutive Olympic gold in this event. Analysts note the technical precision of both Dutch skaters, particularly their cornering strategies on the Cortina oval, proved decisive in overcoming international competition.
