Femke Kok beats Jutta Leerdam in speedskating's 500 and adds an Olympic title to her world record - AP News
AP News
February 23, 2026
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Femke Kok claimed a historic victory at the Olympic Games by winning the 500m speedskating event, defeating her closest rival Jutta Leerdam in a thrilling showdown. This win not only secured her an Olympic title but also added to her already impressive resume, which includes holding the world record in the same event. Kok's performance showcased her exceptional skill and consistency under pressure, solidifying her status as one of the top speedskaters in the world.
The race was highly anticipated due to the fierce rivalry between Kok and Leerdam, who are considered two of the most talented skaters in the sport. Despite setting a personal best time, Leerdam fell short by half a second, allowing Kok to clinch her first Olympic gold medal. This victory came after Kok had already made history earlier in the Games when she helped set
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Originally published on AP News on 2/23/2026