Jutta Leerdam has delivered the defining moment of her career at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina, winning gold in the women’s 1000m speed skating and setting a new Olympic record in the process. The Dutch star stopped the clock at 1:12.31, a performance that instantly placed her among the greats of the sport.
A Perfect Race on the Biggest Stage
Leerdam looked calm and in control from the opening lap. Her acceleration, timing through the corners, and powerful finish separated her from an elite field. The result was a Dutch one-two, with teammate Femke Kok taking silver, while Japan’s Miho Takagi claimed bronze.
For Leerdam, this was more than just a medal. After winning silver at the Beijing 2022 Olympics, she arrived in Italy with unfinished business. This time, she left no doubt.
From Olympic Silver to Olympic Champion
The gold medal represents a clear evolution in Leerdam’s career. Over the past few seasons, she has refined her technique, improved race management, and shown greater consistency under pressure. That progress was obvious in Milan.
Unlike Beijing, where small margins kept her off the top step, this race was decisive. She did not rely on mistakes from others. She created the gap herself.
Emotional Scenes in the Stands
The moment was made even more memorable by the emotional reaction in the crowd. Leerdam’s fiancé, Jake Paul, was seen celebrating and tearing up after her finish, a scene that quickly went viral. While the spotlight often follows her off the ice, this win firmly brought the focus back to her athletic excellence.
Why This Win Matters for Speed Skating
Leerdam’s Olympic record is not just a personal achievement. It sends a strong message about the current level of women’s speed skating. Times are getting faster, competition is deeper, and races are being won by athletes who combine power with precision.
For the Netherlands, it reinforces their dominance in long-track speed skating. For the rest of the field, it raises the standard heading into future world championships and Olympic cycles.
What’s Next for Jutta Leerdam?
With Olympic gold secured, Leerdam’s legacy has already changed. She is no longer an Olympic contender. She is an Olympic champion. Attention will now turn to her remaining events at the Games and how she builds on this momentum in the seasons ahead.
One thing is clear. This performance will be remembered long after the ice in Milan melts.
