Just minutes before, Leerdam had watched teammate Femke Kok set a new Olympic record. Leerdam pulled off a stunner Monday at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium, besting Kok’s Olympic record by nearly three-tenths of a second to win gold in 1:12.31. She pumped her arms and threw off the top of her speed skating suit as she crossed the finish, tears of joy leaving streaks of mascara on her face. “She obviously has a platform that nobody else has had in the speed skating world and I have to give her flowers today. For her to be able to deliver an Olympic record performance like that is so commendable.”Jutta Leerdam pulled off a stunner, besting Kok’s Olympic record by nearly three-tenths of a second to win gold in 1:12.31.

Source: International New York Times February 09, 2026 18:48 UTC