MILAN CORTINA, Italy – Jens van ‘t Wout of the Netherlands continued his dominant run at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, securing gold in the men’s 1500-meter short track event on . This victory marks his second individual gold medal of the Games, solidifying the Netherlands’ strong performance in short track speedskating.
Van ‘t Wout finished with a time of 2:12.21, narrowly missing the Olympic record by three seconds. The performance underscores his consistency and tactical prowess on the ice. South Korea’s Hwang Daeheon claimed the silver medal, finishing with a time of 2:12.304, while Latvia’s Roberts Kruzbergs took bronze.
The race wasn’t without its drama. Canadian William Dandjinou finished fifth and both Brit Niall Treacy and Canada’s Steven Dubois were hampered by a crash, effectively taking them out of contention. Notably, China’s Liu Shaoang and Sun Long did not finish the race.
This win comes on the heels of a successful Games for Van ‘t Wout, and adds to the growing medal tally for the Netherlands. The Dutch team has consistently been a force in short track, and this latest victory reinforces their position as a global powerhouse in the sport.
Beyond the medal events, saw a flurry of activity across multiple disciplines at the Milan Cortina Games. American-born Chinese athlete Eileen Gu qualified for the women’s freeski big air final, despite a fall during her second qualifying run. In women’s curling, Switzerland narrowly defeated Canada 8-7 in a controversial match, while the United States secured a 7-4 victory over Japan. The U.S. Men’s hockey team also continued their strong showing, defeating Germany 8-6, and Switzerland bested Canada 9-5.
The American contingent also enjoyed success earlier in the day. Jordan Stolz claimed gold in the 500m speedskating event, setting a new Olympic record with a blistering time of 33.77 seconds. Jaelin Kauf and Elizabeth Lemley added to the medal count, securing silver and bronze respectively in the dual moguls event.
In ice hockey, the U.S. Men’s team continued their winning streak, defeating Denmark 6-3. Canada’s women’s team also advanced to the semifinals with a dominant 5-1 victory over Germany. These results highlight the strength and depth of both the American and Canadian teams across multiple winter sports.
The success of the Dutch short track team is, in part, attributed to the coaching philosophy of Kerstholt, who has fostered an environment where athletes feel empowered to express themselves. According to de Volkskrant, Kerstholt believes in creating a space where athletes can thrive both on and off the ice.
Looking ahead, Van ‘t Wout is aiming for a unique hat trick, hoping to add another gold medal to his collection. The women’s short track team also has strong medal aspirations, with several athletes poised to contend for gold. The relays are also a key focus for TEAM NL, with the team aiming to deliver a masterful performance.
The Olympic relays are considered crucial for the Dutch team, with a strong emphasis on teamwork and strategic execution. Schaatsen.nl reports that the team is determined to make the relays a highlight of their Olympic campaign.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to deliver thrilling competition and memorable moments. With athletes pushing the boundaries of their respective sports, the Games are providing a platform for both established stars and emerging talents to shine. The schedule for , promises more exciting events, with fans eagerly anticipating further displays of athleticism and determination.
The competition is fierce, and the stakes are high as athletes from around the globe vie for Olympic glory. The Milano Cortina Games are not only a celebration of athletic achievement but also a testament to the power of sport to unite and inspire.
