Dutch rematch on ice in Milan Cortina » Femke Kok triumphed in the 500 m with an Olympic record in front of Jutta Leerdam

Four years ago, in Beijing, at her first Olympic appearance, Femke Kok she finished 6th in her strongest event, the 500m. This interval between the big meetings in the world's biggest sports competition, however, strengthened her appetite and leaning towards the short distance.

Femke came to the Milano Speed ​​Skating Stadium with five wins in as many World Cup 500m events, and at the moment of truth she was able to deliver.

Evolving into the 15th pair, alongside the American Erin Jacksonshe produced a dazzling evolution and secured her first career Olympic title in 36.49 s. A new Olympic record, but far from the world record, 36.09 s, which she also set last year, on November 16, at Salt Lake City.

After crossing the finish line, Kok showed his joy, the one he had kept in check a few days earlier when he settled for silver in the 1,000m. Jutta Leerdam (27 years old), her compatriot, imposed herself on that occasion, achieving an Olympic record shortly after Femke had beaten the previous one. Now the two have done the ring on the podium.

Jutta covered the short distance in 37.15while the bronze medal went to the Japanese Miho Takagi (31 years old), in 37.27 s. Asiatica is the vice-champion from Beijing, edition of the Olympic Games where she prevailed in the 1,000 m.

Olympic 500m champion Femke Kok on the podium between Jutta Leerdam and Miho Takagi Photo: Guliver/GettyImages

“Since I was a little girl my dream was to become an Olympic champion“, said Femke 4 years ago, before the Beijing edition, for NU.nl. “I didn't think that the Olympics would come so soon, I imagined that I would make my debut in 2026, but the previous season went very well“, she added.

Femke Kok, between skating and gymnastics as a child

Kok started skating at the age of 2, like most children in the Netherlands, but gymnastics was her second sports passion. Even after joining the De Kluners speed skating club in her hometown, Drachtenhe still liked to climb the parallel bars and perform various elements. These enhanced his flexibility, an important quality in skating.

“I became very agile and I think that helps you a lot to master the technique”, indicated Femke in a discussion for the official website of the international skating federation.

Also, skating is a family heirloom. Her father competed in Division A nationally in long distance events, and it was he who helped her ultimately choose against gymnastics. He was adjusting his skates to succeed “to land on his right leg when putting the blade on the ice.” And her mother was signed to a local club.

Femke Kok, helped by a sports psychologist

At the same time, the pressure on the young athlete also built. As a teenager, he faced emotions and stress. “I didn't win anything as a child, I was always very stressed. In training I skated much faster than in competitions,” she testified.

Femke Kok in a competition when she was 14 Photo: Instagram

“It got worse and worse to the point where I hated racing even though I loved speed skating. I was pushing myself too much. At 15, I even consulted a sports psychologist. With its help, I changed my mindset and since then I have been able to control my emotions much better. Of course, I'm still nervous at the start, but it doesn't affect my race that much anymore“, she said at one point.

And she wanted to fulfill her dream of becoming an Olympic champion, but in her own way, “staying sober, just like my parents“. After the gold at 500 meters in Milan, however, he allowed himself a dose of exteriorization. The opportunity was too great to do otherwise.