Femke Kok Dominates World Sprint Speed Skating Championships, Poised for Gold

Heerenveen, Netherlands – March 6, 2026 – Olympic champion Femke Kok has delivered a stunning performance at the opening days of the World Sprint Speed Skating Championships in Thialf, Heerenveen. Kok set a new track record and currently leads the competition, with fellow Dutch skaters Suzanne Schulting and Marrit Fledderus also performing strongly.

Kok Sets Track Record and Leads Competition

Femke Kok began the championships by shattering the track record on the 500-meter race, finishing in 36.67 seconds [Source: dgki.nl]. She continued her dominance by winning the 1000-meter race as well [Source: dgki.nl]. Her performance places her in a commanding position as the championships continue.

Strong Showing for Dutch Skaters

The Netherlands is currently dominating the top of the leaderboard, with Suzanne Schulting and Marrit Fledderus securing the second and third positions after the first day of competition [Source: dgki.nl]. Schulting attributed her strong performance to feeling relaxed after winning the Dutch Sprint Championships the previous weekend [Source: sportnieuws.nl].

Kok on Track for World Title

After three of the four distances, Femke Kok is considered highly likely to win her first World Sprint title [Source: nu.nl]. The championships, which began on Thursday, March 5th, featured 28 women competing for the title [Source: sportnieuws.nl].

The World Sprint and World Allround Championships are being held in Thialf, Heerenveen, from March 5th to 8th, 2026.