In a remarkable display of athletic prowess, Dutch speedskaters clinched two gold medals in short track events at the Milan Cortina Olympics on March 7, 2024. Xandra Velzeboer shattered her own world record in the women’s 500 meters, while Jens van ‘t Wout delivered a thrilling victory in the men’s 1,000 meters.
Velzeboer Shatters Records in Women’s 500 Meters
Velzeboer’s victory in the women’s 500 meters final was marked by a stunning time of 41.609 seconds, effectively ending Italian skater Arianna Fontana‘s bid to become the first woman to win three consecutive Olympic golds in individual short track events. Fontana finished in second place with a time of 42.294 seconds, trailing Velzeboer by a significant margin.
The evening began with Velzeboer setting an Olympic record of 41.853 seconds during the quarterfinals. In the semifinals, she raised the bar even higher, clocking in at a groundbreaking 41.399 seconds, surpassing her previous world record of 41.416 seconds, which she set in 2022.
At just 24 years old, Velzeboer has already added this gold medal to her accolades, having previously won a gold in the 3,000-meter relay at the 2022 Beijing Games and holding the title of three-time world champion in the 500 meters.
Van ‘t Wout’s Dramatic Finish in Men’s 1,000 Meters
Later in the evening, van ‘t Wout thrilled the crowd with a spectacular finish in the men’s 1,000 meters. He surged ahead of Canada’s William Dandjinou with just a lap remaining, finishing with a time of 1 minute, 24.537 seconds. The excitement grew as van ‘t Wout celebrated his victory, spreading his arms wide and taking a bow while donning a flag as a cape.
This victory secured van ‘t Wout’s place among the elite in short track speedskating, showcasing both his skill and determination. Sun Long of China finished in second place with a time of 1:24.565, while Jongun Rim of South Korea took the bronze medal.
Fontana’s silver medal in the 500 meters marks the 13th medal of her illustrious Olympic career, extending her record in short track events. The 35-year-old has participated in six Olympic Games, having made her debut at the age of 15 during the 2006 Turin Games. Her remarkable journey continues to inspire athletes and fans alike.
As the Dutch team celebrates their achievements at the Milan Cortina Olympics, the strong presence of their supporters adds to the festive atmosphere, highlighting the passion and dedication of both the athletes and their fans.
