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Leerdam Edges Jackson in Thrilling 1000m Speed Skating Final

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 23:35 GMT by Sporting News
      Locales: ITALY, NETHERLANDS, UNITED STATES, CANADA

Leerdam and Jackson Renew Rivalry at 2026 Milan Olympics: 1000m Speed Skating Recap

Milan, Italy - February 10th, 2026 - The highly anticipated women's 1000m speed skating final at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan concluded moments ago, delivering a thrilling contest between Dutch powerhouse Jutta Leerdam and American defending champion Erin Jackson. Leerdam ultimately secured the gold medal, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 1:13.82, narrowly edging out Jackson who took silver with 1:14.05. Canada's Isabelle Weidemann claimed the bronze medal with a time of 1:14.87.

The race lived up to every expectation, showcasing the incredible speed, strategy, and resilience of these elite athletes. The 1000m distance, a unique blend of endurance and explosive power, proved to be a captivating spectacle for fans both in the stadium and around the globe.

Race Recap

From the gun, both Leerdam and Jackson demonstrated aggressive starts, positioning themselves at the front of the pack. Leerdam, known for her powerful initial acceleration, took a slight lead in the opening lap. Jackson, however, maintained a close proximity, skillfully drafting behind her Dutch rival to conserve energy. The drafting battle continued for several laps, with both skaters trading the lead in subtle maneuvers.

As the race progressed, Leerdam began to increase her pace, consistently maintaining a faster lap time. Jackson responded with impressive determination, refusing to let Leerdam pull away decisively. The final 400 meters were a nail-biting showdown. Leerdam showcased her superior stamina, extending her lead with a powerful push. Jackson, despite appearing fatigued, dug deep, battling to stay within striking distance. The crowd erupted as the two skaters entered the final 100 meters, neck and neck.

In the end, Leerdam's relentless speed proved to be the deciding factor. She crossed the finish line with a margin of just 0.23 seconds over Jackson, securing her first individual Olympic gold medal. Jackson, though visibly disappointed, displayed gracious sportsmanship, congratulating Leerdam on her victory.

Leerdam's Dominance Continues

Jutta Leerdam, 26, has solidified her position as a dominant force in women's speed skating. The reigning world champion (2023 & 2024) has consistently demonstrated exceptional speed and technique, making her a formidable competitor on the international stage. While she secured a bronze medal in the Team Pursuit at the 2022 Beijing Olympics, this gold medal marks a significant milestone in her career.

"It's an incredible feeling," said Leerdam in a post-race interview. "I've been working towards this moment for years. Erin pushed me so hard, she is a true champion. This gold is for my team, my family, and all the fans who have supported me."

Jackson's Inspiring Journey

Erin Jackson, 32, continues to inspire with her remarkable resilience. The 2022 Olympic gold medalist faced a significant setback after sustaining a serious hip injury shortly after her Beijing triumph. Her recovery journey was arduous, but she persevered, demonstrating unwavering determination to return to elite competition. Securing a silver medal today is a testament to her strength and dedication.

"It's been a tough road," Jackson admitted. "I'm incredibly proud to be back on the Olympic stage and to compete at this level. Jutta was fantastic today, she deserved the win. I'm grateful for the support I've received and I'll keep pushing forward."

The Future of Women's Speed Skating

The rivalry between Leerdam and Jackson is expected to continue, adding excitement to future speed skating competitions. Both athletes represent the pinnacle of the sport, inspiring a new generation of skaters. The Milan Olympics have undoubtedly showcased the beauty and intensity of women's speed skating, solidifying its place as a thrilling event on the Winter Olympic program. With emerging talents like Isabelle Weidemann demonstrating their potential, the future of the sport looks bright and competitive.