Xandra Velzeboer Secures Second Gold Medal at Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics
Dutch speed skating sensation Xandra Velzeboer has claimed her second gold medal of the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics, triumphing in the women's 1000m short track final on Monday, February 16. Velzeboer delivered a masterful performance, clocking a winning time of 1:28.437 to solidify her status as one of the Games' standout athletes.
Podium Finishers and Medal Standings
The race featured intense competition among the world's top skaters. Canada's Courtney Sarault captured the silver medal with a time of 1:28.523, while Republic of Korea's rising star Kim Gilli earned bronze in 1:28.614. This victory marks the fourth gold medal for the Netherlands in short track speed skating at these Winter Olympics, underscoring the nation's continued dominance on the ice.
Race Analysis and Key Moments
The final unfolded with strategic precision and dramatic turns. Courtney Sarault established an early lead, with Italy's veteran skater Arianna Fontana closely trailing in a drafting position. The pack remained tightly bunched for much of the race, as competitors conserved energy for a late surge.
With five laps remaining, Xandra Velzeboer maneuvered into second place, setting the stage for a decisive move. The critical moment occurred with three laps to go, when contact and congestion forced Fontana wide, causing her to drop out of podium contention. The 35-year-old Italian attempted a recovery but could not regain her position.
Kim Gilli, aged 21, executed a bold overtaking attempt to briefly lead Sarault, but the experienced Canadian swiftly reclaimed her spot. In the final laps, Velzeboer demonstrated superior speed and technical control, surging past Sarault and maintaining the inside line through the last corners. Sarault pursued relentlessly but could not match Velzeboer's finishing pace, while Kim held on to secure her first Olympic medal.
Notable Absences and Broader Implications
The final standings placed Velzeboer first, Sarault second, and Kim third, followed by Fontana in fourth and China's Gong Li in fifth. The event highlighted the depth of competition in women's short track speed skating, particularly given the absence of several top contenders from the medal race. Notable skaters who did not advance included Team USA's Kristen Santos-Griswold and Beijing 2022 silver medallist Choi Minjeong.
Courtney Sarault's silver medal performance marked her third podium finish at these Winter Olympics, confirming a strong and consistent campaign. Meanwhile, Velzeboer's victory reinforces the Netherlands' commanding presence in short track skating at the Winter Games, building on their historical success in the sport.
The Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics continue to showcase thrilling athletic achievements, with Velzeboer's gold medal run standing out as a highlight of the short track speed skating program.
