Milan, Italy – Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong of the Netherlands secured the gold medal in the women’s 1500-meter speed skating event at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo on Friday, February 20, 2026. Her winning time of 1:54.87 edged out Japan’s Miho Takagi by a mere 0.06 seconds, marking a thrilling finish to a highly anticipated race. The victory represents a pinnacle moment for Rijpma-de Jong, who previously won bronze in the 1500m at the 2022 Beijing Olympics. This is the fifth consecutive gold medal for the Netherlands in this event, continuing a dominant streak in women’s Olympic speed skating.
The race unfolded with intense competition, as several skaters vied for the top spot. Prior to Rijpma-de Jong’s winning performance, Femke Kok of the Netherlands had set a fast pace, initially leading the standings. However, Kok, along with fellow Dutch skater Marijke Groenewoud, expressed dissatisfaction with their respective performances, indicating they felt they could have achieved even faster times. The pressure mounted as Rijpma-de Jong took to the ice in a later heat, ultimately delivering a performance that secured her the coveted gold medal.
Rijpma-de Jong’s Triumph: A Moment of Emotional Release
Rijpma-de Jong’s victory was met with visible emotion, as she broke down in tears during her post-race interview. According to NOS, she expressed her joy and gratitude, stating, “It was such a hurricane of sound, everyone cheering me on and shouting to me.” She continued, “As a skater, you want to have this feeling. It can’t receive any better than it is now.” The emotional response underscored the significance of the achievement for Rijpma-de Jong, who has dedicated years to the sport.
A Close Contest: Takagi’s Near Miss and Kok’s Disappointment
While Rijpma-de Jong celebrated her gold, the race likewise highlighted the competitive spirit and near misses of other skaters. Miho Takagi of Japan came incredibly close to claiming the top spot, finishing just 0.06 seconds behind the Dutch champion. NOS reports that Takagi pushed herself to the limit, but ultimately fell short of overtaking Rijpma-de Jong.
Femke Kok, despite initially leading the competition, expressed her frustration with her performance. AD.nl noted that Kok appeared visibly displeased with her skate, shaking her head after completing her race. Marijke Groenewoud echoed similar sentiments, indicating that both skaters believed they had more to offer. Despite their disappointment, both Kok and Groenewoud remain contenders in other events throughout the Olympic Games.
Dutch Dominance Continues in Women’s 1500m
Rijpma-de Jong’s victory extends the Netherlands’ remarkable winning streak in the women’s 1500-meter speed skating event. This marks the fifth consecutive Olympic gold medal for the Dutch team in this discipline, solidifying their position as a powerhouse in the sport. The consistent success of Dutch skaters is attributed to a combination of factors, including a strong national training program, a deep pool of talented athletes, and a supportive sporting culture. This latest win further cements the Netherlands’ legacy in long-track speed skating.
The Road to Gold: Rijpma-de Jong’s Journey
Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong’s path to Olympic gold has been marked by dedication and perseverance. Having secured a bronze medal in the 1500m at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, she returned to the Winter Games with a renewed focus and determination. Her training regimen has been meticulously crafted to optimize her speed, endurance, and technique. The athlete’s commitment to excellence, coupled with the support of her coaches and teammates, has culminated in this historic achievement.
Looking Ahead: Remaining Events and Medal Prospects
The Olympic Winter Games continue in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with numerous events still to come. The speed skating program will feature additional races, including the 500m, 1000m, and team pursuit, providing further opportunities for athletes to showcase their skills and compete for medals. Femke Kok and Marijke Groenewoud will undoubtedly be looking to rebound from their 1500m disappointment and make their mark in upcoming events. The Netherlands is expected to remain a strong contender across multiple disciplines, building on their early success in the Games.
Beyond speed skating, the Olympics will also feature competitions in ice hockey, biathlon, short track, and a wide range of other winter sports. Fans can follow the action live on NPO 1, via livestream, and through RadiOlympia. The short track events, scheduled to commence on February 20th, will feature Dutch athletes Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer, and Michelle Velzeboer in the 1500m and the men’s relay.
The Canadian and Finnish men’s ice hockey teams are currently engaged in a fiercely contested semi-final match, while the United States faces Slovakia later in the evening. These games promise to be thrilling encounters as teams battle for a place in the gold medal final.
The Paralympic Winter Games are also on the horizon, with the opening ceremony scheduled to take place soon. The Ukrainian delegation has announced its decision to boycott the opening ceremony, a move that reflects the ongoing geopolitical situation.
The Olympic Winter Games represent a celebration of athletic achievement, international cooperation, and the spirit of competition. As athletes continue to push the boundaries of human performance, the world watches with anticipation and admiration.
The next scheduled event in speed skating is the men’s 1500m, which will take place on February 22nd. This race is expected to be another exciting contest, with several top contenders vying for the gold medal. Stay tuned to World Today Journal for continued coverage of the Olympic Winter Games.
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