jutta leerdam strikes gold with record time at milaan-cortina
Cortina d’Ampezzo, vrijdag, 27 februari 2026.
Dutch speed skater jutta leerdam claimed olympic gold in the 1000 meter at the 2026 winter olympics, setting a record time of 1:12.31. the victory marks a career highlight, completing her dream of becoming an olympic champion. earlier, she secured silver in the 500 meter event. leerdam dedicated her success to her team, family, and fiancé jake paul, who watched emotionally from the stands. her performance solidified the netherlands’ dominance on ice. fans worldwide celebrated the moment, while amateur skating clubs prepare to benefit from auctions of her competition gear. leerdam now looks ahead, signaling openness to future challenges despite feeling fully fulfilled.
record-breaking performance seals olympic glory
Jutta Leerdam won gold in the women’s 1000 meter speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano-Cortina, recording a time of 1:12.31 [2]. This marked the fastest official time ever achieved in the event at the Olympics, surpassing previous benchmarks [2]. The victory solidified her status among the elite in long-track speed skating. Held in Cortina d’Ampezzo, the race saw Leerdam outpace all competitors decisively [2]. Her performance contributed significantly to the Netherlands’ strong showing in Olympic speed skating, reinforcing the nation’s historical dominance in the discipline [GPT].
a personal triumph amid national celebration
Leerdam dedicated her victory to her support network, including her fiancé Jake Paul, who attended the event visibly moved by her achievement [2]. In a public message posted shortly after the race, she expressed deep gratitude toward her family, coaches, sponsors, and fans [2]. “The Olympics are over. Before I started this journey I already won in life by having the most amazing people around me,” she wrote online [2]. Her acknowledgment highlighted the emotional weight behind her athletic accomplishment and resonated widely across social platforms [2][3].
career-defining achievements and legacy
Earlier in the same games, Leerdam captured a silver medal in the 500 meter sprint, showcasing her versatility across distances [2]. Winning Olympic gold completed what she described as her lifelong dream [2]. “Becoming Olympic Champion completes my list of dreams. I feel very fulfilled,” she stated on Instagram [2]. Although she did not formally retire, her remarks suggested a potential shift in focus beyond competitive skating [2]. The fulfillment of her ambitions has sparked discussions about her long-term plans within the sport [2].
impact extends beyond the ice
The significance of Leerdam’s victory reached far beyond the rink, influencing grassroots skating initiatives in the Netherlands [4]. Auctions featuring competition gear worn by Dutch Olympians generated substantial interest, with Leerdam’s gold-winning suit drawing bids exceeding €7,600 [4]. Other Dutch athletes’ gear, such as Femke Kok’s winning suit, also attracted notable attention [4]. Proceeds are expected to benefit amateur skating clubs nationwide, providing financial relief and equipment upgrades [4]. This ripple effect underscores how elite success fuels broader participation in winter sports [GPT].