The XXV Winter Olympic Games are in full swing in Milan and Cortina, Northern Italy. Following last Friday’s opening ceremony, the speed skating competitions have already delivered historic performances and new milestones.
Renowned Dutch athlete Jutta Leerdam secured her first-ever Olympic gold medal, reaffirming the Netherlands’ dominance in speed skating. The 27-year-old clocked a time of 1 minute 12.31 seconds in the 1000-meter race, setting a new Olympic record. Leerdam, who previously won silver at Beijing 2022, climbed to the top of the podium this time, while two-time Olympic champion Suzanne Schulting finished in 8th place.
In the 3000-meter event, Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida crossed the finish line in 3 minutes 54.28 seconds, adding an Olympic record to her achievement. This victory marked the first gold medal for the host nation at these Games.
The win was particularly special as it coincided with Lollobrigida’s 35th birthday. The athlete celebrated her historic gold medal alongside her 2.5-year-old son, Tommaso.
