Jutta Leerdam Wins Olympic Gold in 1,000m Speed Skating

Dutch speedskater Jutta Leerdam secured her first Olympic gold medal in the women’s 1,000 meters at the Milan Cortina Games on Monday, February 9, 2026, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 1 minute, 12.31 seconds ESPN.

Record-Breaking Performance

Racing in the final heat against defending Olympic champion Miho Takagi of Japan, Leerdam maintained a steady pace throughout the race. Her winning time was nearly a full second faster than Takagi’s performance at the 2022 Beijing Games ESPN. This victory marks the third Olympic record broken in three speedskating races at the Milan Cortina Games.

Podium Finish

Femke Kok, also from the Netherlands, claimed the silver medal, while Miho Takagi of Japan secured the bronze AP News. Brittany Bowe of the United States, the 2019 world record holder in the 1,000m, finished fourth, and Erin Jackson, the 2022 Olympic gold medalist in the 500m, placed sixth ESPN.

Celebration with Jake Paul

Following her victory, Leerdam celebrated by blowing kisses to her fiancé, Jake Paul, who was present in the stands ESPN. Paul, a YouTuber-turned-boxer, was visibly emotional during the celebration AP News.

Leerdam’s Accomplishments

Leerdam has a decorated career, boasting 12 world championship medals, including six golds. She previously won 1,000m titles at the World Championships in 2020 and 2023 ESPN. She has been dominant in the 1,000m this season, winning three of the four World Cup races she entered.

Looking Ahead

Leerdam will compete for another medal on Sunday in the 500 meters ESPN.