Jutta Leerdam & Femke Kok: Olympic Speed Skating Results & Updates

MILAN – Femke Kok of the Netherlands delivered a blistering performance to win gold in the women’s 500-meter speed skating event at the February 15, 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 36.49 seconds. The victory came as a satisfying culmination of a strategic team effort, with teammate Jutta Leerdam securing the silver medal, fulfilling a pre-race desire among Dutch supporters for a “flip-flop” of the podium from the 1000-meter race.

The Dutch dominance in the event was palpable, with the atmosphere at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium overwhelmingly orange-clad and supportive. According to observers, approximately 94.7% of the long-track fans present had connections to the Netherlands. The expectation leading into the race was clear: Kok, the silver medalist in the 1000m, was favored to win the 500m, while Leerdam, the 1000m gold medalist, was expected to contend for a medal but potentially settle for second place.

Kok’s winning time not only secured the gold but also established a new fastest-ever time at sea level, further solidifying her position as a dominant force in the 500-meter sprint. Leerdam’s silver medal completed the Dutch one-two finish, a result that resonated deeply with fans. The dynamic between the two skaters has been a key factor in their success, with both acknowledging they have pushed each other to higher levels of performance.

“It’s cool,” Kok said. “Of course, we’re a really small country, but we can do speed skating, so it’s really nice.”

The success wasn’t just about athletic prowess; it also involved a degree of national sentiment. Some Dutch supporters expressed a less enthusiastic reception towards Jake Paul, Leerdam’s fiancé, with comments ranging from him being “a little too extra” to “showboaty” and “over the top.” His prominent presence at the stadium, accompanied by a large entourage and security detail, drew attention and, for some, a degree of disapproval.

The race also saw Miho Takagi of Japan claim the bronze medal. Erin Jackson of the United States, the 500-meter gold medalist at the 2022 Winter Olympics, finished fifth after stumbling on the backstretch during the final pairing. Leerdam admitted she was surprised to secure silver, anticipating a potential challenge from Jackson.

“I was like, ‘Oh, whoa, I have silver,'” Leerdam said, “so very happy.”

Leerdam’s achievement was celebrated by Paul, who was visibly enthusiastic in the stands. The Dutch duo’s success builds on a strong tradition of speed skating excellence for the Netherlands, a nation deeply invested in the sport. Kok and Leerdam’s ability to elevate each other’s performance has been central to their recent achievements.

“Yeah, we pushed each other the last couple of years to a higher level, especially in the Netherlands,” Kok explained. “Our level is going up in sprinting … It’s cool that we are just both Dutch and we pushed each other to a higher level and then it’s nice to be at the highest level and come to podium together.”

The day’s events weren’t without their complexities. Jutta Leerdam, despite winning a silver medal, chose to skip the celebratory events at TeamNL Huis, reportedly due to illness. Elsewhere at the games, a Dutch figure skating duo expressed disagreement with their scoring, adding another layer to the competitive drama unfolding in Milan.

For sprint coach Jan van Velde, the Olympics marked the completion of a personal mission. The success of Kok and Leerdam represents a high point in his career, demonstrating the effectiveness of the Dutch sprint training program. The Dutch team’s performance in speed skating continues to be a source of national pride and the gold and silver medals won by Kok and Leerdam are sure to be celebrated throughout the Netherlands.

The competition also drew notable spectators, including Snoop Dogg, who was observed watching the women’s 500-meter race. The presence of such high-profile figures underscores the growing global appeal of speed skating and the excitement surrounding the 2026 Winter Olympics.