Dutch Dominate World Sprint Championships Opener with De Boo and Kok Victories

HEERENVEEN, Netherlands – Dutch speed skaters Jenning de Boo and Femke Kok set the pace on the opening day of the ISU Speed Skating World Championships in Heerenveen, securing impressive wins in the 500-meter and 1,000-meter distances on Thursday, March 5, 2026. Their performances underscore the Netherlands’ strength in sprint skating.

De Boo Shatters Track Record

Jenning de Boo delivered a blistering performance in the 500m, clocking a time of 33.78 seconds. This not only secured him the win but likewise eclipsed the previous track record held by American Jordan Stolz in 2025 The Straits Times. Stolz had briefly led after skating in the 12th of 14 pairs, but De Boo, skating immediately after, surpassed his time.

De Boo continued his strong form into the 1,000m, finishing in 1 minute 06.52 seconds, narrowly defeating Stolz who finished 0.62 seconds behind The Straits Times.

Following the first day, De Boo leads the men’s overall standings, followed by Stolz and Zhongyan Ning of China The Straits Times.

Kok Continues Reign as Sprint Queen

Femke Kok, the Olympic 500m gold medalist and 1,000m silver medalist, continued her impressive season with a dominant performance in the women’s 500m. She finished in 36.67 seconds, breaking her own 2025 track record and finishing 0.63 seconds ahead of compatriot Suzanne Schulting The Straits Times.

Kok’s performance was particularly notable given her concerns about maintaining motivation after her successful Olympic Games NOS. She stated, “You would expect to be completely exhausted after the Games, but this is actually very strange. But I’m enjoying it immensely.” NOS.

Surprising Post-Olympic Peak

Both De Boo and Kok appear to be in even better form at the World Sprint Championships than they were during the recent Olympic Games NOS. De Boo noted that he had been achieving personal bests in training leading up to the event NOS.

The World Sprint Championships continue in Thialf, with the women’s 1,000m scheduled next Sportnieuws.nl.