Rijpma-de Jong Strikes Gold in 1500m Speedskating at Milan Cortina Games

MILAN, Italy – Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong of the Netherlands delivered a thrilling performance to win gold in the women’s 1500m speedskating event at the Milan Cortina Winter Games on Friday, February 20, 2026. The victory, secured by a mere six-hundredths of a second, marks a significant milestone in Rijpma-de Jong’s decorated career, finally adding Olympic gold to her impressive collection of six world titles and nine European championships.

The atmosphere inside the arena was electric, fueled by a large and enthusiastic contingent of Dutch fans, creating a wall of orange support for their skater. Rijpma-de Jong navigated the challenging 1500m distance with precision and speed, ultimately finishing ahead of Norway’s Ragne Wiklund in a nail-biting finish.

A Long-Awaited Olympic Title

For Rijpma-de Jong, 30, this gold medal represents the culmination of years of dedication and hard work. Having previously secured a bronze medal in the 1500m at the 2022 Winter Olympics, she was determined to reach the top of the podium this time around. The win solidifies her status as one of the world’s premier speedskaters.

The race unfolded with intense competition, as Wiklund set a blistering pace. However, Rijpma-de Jong remained composed, strategically positioning herself and unleashing a powerful final lap. The margin of victory – just 0.06 seconds – underscored the incredibly competitive nature of the event and the skater’s exceptional skill.

Dutch Dominance Continues

Rijpma-de Jong’s triumph adds to the Netherlands’ growing medal haul at the Milan Cortina Games. Dutch skaters have already claimed gold in the 500m (Femke Kok) and 1000m (Jutta Leerdam), demonstrating the nation’s strength and depth in the sport. This continued success reinforces the Netherlands’ position as a speedskating powerhouse.

Van Elst Finishes 20th

While the day belonged to Rijpma-de Jong, the race also saw Belgian skater Isabelle van Elst finish in 20th place. Van Elst, who had been consistently performing well in World Cup events this season, struggled to find her top form in Milan. She expressed disappointment with her time but remained proud of her accomplishment in reaching the Olympic Games.

“I had hoped for more in terms of time, but I gave it everything I had,” Van Elst said, visibly emotional after the race. She emphasized the significance of having her family present, describing it as a “complete” Olympic experience. “They know how much I’ve done for this, and it’s special to be here,” she added. Van Elst acknowledged the difficult journey to qualify for the Games and the emotional weight of the moment.

A Supportive Home Life

Away from the intensity of competition, Rijpma-de Jong benefits from a supportive home life. Reports indicate her husband played a key role in helping her maintain balance and escape the pressures of the Olympic bubble, even assisting with everyday tasks like doing laundry and making pancakes. This support system appears to have been crucial to her success.

The Dutch team’s performance in Milan has been a source of national pride. The enthusiastic support of the Dutch fans, combined with the skaters’ exceptional talent and dedication, has created a memorable atmosphere at the Winter Games.

Speedskating continues to captivate audiences with its blend of athleticism, strategy, and sheer speed. The 1500m event, in particular, demands a unique combination of endurance and tactical awareness, making it one of the most compelling races in the Winter Olympics program. For Rijpma-de Jong, this victory is not just a personal triumph but a testament to the strength and resilience of Dutch speedskating.

The Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina continue to deliver thrilling moments, and the speedskating events are proving to be a major highlight. Fans around the world are eagerly anticipating the remaining competitions and the potential for more record-breaking performances.

What’s Next: The speedskating program continues in Milan with several more events scheduled throughout the week, including the men’s 1500m and various distance races. Stay tuned to Archysport for continued coverage of the Milan Cortina Winter Games.

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