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Leerdam Eyes Gold in Women's 1000m Speed Skating

  //sports-competition.news-articles.net/content/2 .. am-eyes-gold-in-women-s-1000m-speed-skating.html
  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, February 8th 2026 at 23:53 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: NETHERLANDS, ITALY

Milan/Cortina, Italy - February 9, 2026 - The ice is prepped, the crowds are buzzing, and the world's fastest skaters are poised to compete in the women's 1000m speed skating event today. All eyes are on Dutch superstar Jutta Leerdam, widely considered a frontrunner for the gold medal, but a strong field of international competitors promises a thrilling race.

Leerdam is scheduled to race at 8:56 a.m. Eastern Time (ET), adding to the early morning excitement for fans across the Americas. However, the competition doesn't just hinge on Leerdam's performance. A diverse group of skaters will take to the ice before her, each vying for a spot on the podium.

The Full Starting Order:

The order of skaters is critical, as later racers benefit from a potentially faster track - ice that has been conditioned by previous skaters. Here's the complete schedule for Monday's event:

1. Akari Hatanaka (Japan) - 8:03 a.m. ET
2. Sarah Daniels (Canada) - 8:05 a.m. ET
3. Elisa Cucchini (Italy) - 8:07 a.m. ET
4. Ebba Andersson (Sweden) - 8:09 a.m. ET
5. Jordan Stolz (United States) - 8:11 a.m. ET
6. Femke Kok (Netherlands) - 8:13 a.m. ET
7. Antoinette Rijpma-van der Graaf (Netherlands) - 8:15 a.m. ET
8. Hongyu He (China) - 8:17 a.m. ET
9. Sayaka Nagashima (Japan) - 8:19 a.m. ET
10. Min-ju Kim (South Korea) - 8:21 a.m. ET
11. Mariah Bell (United States) - 8:23 a.m. ET
12. Claudia Pechstein (Germany) - 8:25 a.m. ET
13. Jutta Leerdam (Netherlands) - 8:56 a.m. ET
14. Daria Dubrovina (Italy) - 8:58 a.m. ET
15. Natalia Warzecha (Poland) - 9:00 a.m. ET
16. Solveig Hoelstad (Norway) - 9:02 a.m. ET

Beyond Leerdam: Contenders to Watch

While Leerdam's consistency and impressive personal bests make her a favorite, several other skaters are capable of challenging for a medal. Fellow Dutch skater, Femke Kok, is known for her explosive starts and could push Leerdam for the top spot. Antoinette Rijpma-van der Graaf, also representing the Netherlands, is a seasoned veteran with multiple World Cup victories under her belt. The Dutch dominance in speed skating is well-documented, and these three athletes represent a formidable force.

From the Asian contingent, Japan's Akari Hatanaka and Sayaka Nagashima have both shown promising form in recent competitions. Nagashima, in particular, has been steadily improving her times and could be a dark horse contender. South Korea's Min-ju Kim is another skater to watch, bringing a determined spirit and technical prowess to the race.

The United States is hoping for a strong performance from both Jordan Stolz and Mariah Bell. Stolz, a rising star, has been making waves in the speed skating world and is a threat to upset the established order. Bell, a veteran of multiple Winter Olympics, brings experience and composure to the ice.

Even the experienced Claudia Pechstein of Germany, competing in her seventh Winter Olympics, shouldn't be discounted. Her longevity and tactical racing style could see her sneak into a qualifying position for a later round.

The Importance of Track Conditions

The ice temperature and consistency are crucial factors in speed skating. Arena officials work tirelessly to maintain optimal conditions, but subtle changes can significantly impact performance. As the race progresses, the ice will likely become faster, giving later skaters an advantage. This means Leerdam, skating near the end, will need to deliver a flawless performance to capitalize on the improved conditions.

How to Tune In

For those eager to witness the action live, the Olympic women's 1000m speed skating event will be broadcast on NBC and Peacock. Check local listings for specific times and channels. Streaming options will also be available on the Peacock platform.

The women's 1000m promises to be a captivating event, showcasing the incredible athleticism and dedication of these world-class speed skaters. With Jutta Leerdam leading the charge, and a host of talented competitors hot on her heels, it's a race you won't want to miss.