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Women's 1000m: Leerdam Favored, Pairings Key

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Monday, February 9th 2026 at 0:23 GMT by Sporting News
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Race Details and Schedule

The women's 1000m competition is set to begin at 9:30 a.m. local time (1:30 p.m. Eastern Time). Skaters will compete in pairs, with the starting order crucial as later pairings often benefit from faster ice conditions. The full starting order is as follows (all times approximate):

1. Michelle Saltveit (USA) - 9:30 a.m.
2. Ekaterina Konstantinova (Kazakhstan) - 9:33 a.m.
3. Lizi Safrina (Kazakhstan) - 9:36 a.m.
4. Lana van Huigenbos (NED) - 9:39 a.m.
5. Sari Sugimoto (JPN) - 9:42 a.m.
6. Katarina Kurzuma (POL) - 9:45 a.m.
7. Elina Rosenberg (SWE) - 9:48 a.m.
8. Denise van Rijssel (NED) - 9:51 a.m.
9. Yuki Tanaka (JPN) - 9:54 a.m.
10. Kim Min-seong (KOR) - 9:57 a.m.
11. Carolina Hernandez (MEX) - 10:00 a.m.
12. Selena Ifaniana (INA) - 10:03 a.m.
13. Nikola Zelenkova (CZE) - 10:06 a.m.
14. Jutta Leerdam (NED) - 10:09 a.m.
15. Brittany Renee Howe (CAN) - 10:12 a.m.
16. Ivanie Blondin (CAN) - 10:15 a.m.
17. Xin Di (CHN) - 10:18 a.m.
18. Arisa Go (JPN) - 10:21 a.m.
19. Ayaka Kikuchi (JPN) - 10:24 a.m.
20. Sofia Prosvetaeva (ROC) - 10:27 a.m.
21. Magdalena Pater (POL) - 10:30 a.m.
22. Mia Kilponen (FIN) - 10:33 a.m.
23. Jamie Chipman (CAN) - 10:36 a.m.
24. Lotte van der Riet (NED) - 10:39 a.m.

Jutta Leerdam: The Favorite to Watch

Jutta Leerdam, competing in the 14th pairing, enters the race as the clear favorite. Her consistent performances and powerful skating style have made her a dominant force in the sport. Leerdam is known for her explosive starts and ability to maintain a high speed throughout the 1000m distance. However, the pressure of being the defending Olympic champion will undoubtedly be a factor. She'll be looking to replicate her prior success and cement her legacy as one of the greatest speed skaters of all time.

Challengers to the Throne

While Leerdam is the frontrunner, several skaters are poised to challenge for a medal. Keep an eye on her Dutch teammate, Denise van Rijssel, who has been steadily improving throughout the season. Japan's Arisa Go and Ayaka Kikuchi are also expected to be strong contenders, bringing a technical prowess and strategic racing style to the ice. Canada's Ivanie Blondin, a seasoned veteran, could also surprise, leveraging her experience to deliver a personal best performance. The ROC's Sofia Prosvetaeva is a relative newcomer, but has shown glimpses of potential that could upset the established order.

The Importance of Pairings

The timing of a skater's pairing is a critical element in speed skating. Later pairings benefit from the ice being resurfaced less frequently, leading to a faster and more consistent surface. Leerdam's placement in the 14th pairing gives her a significant advantage, allowing her to race on a potentially quicker track. However, she'll also be facing some of the strongest skaters in the field at that point, increasing the competitive pressure.

How to Tune In

For those eager to witness the action, here's how to watch the women's 1000m speed skating event:

• Canada: CBC Sports
• United States: NBC Olympics
• Netherlands: NOS
• International: Check your local listings

The event promises to be a captivating display of athleticism, strategy, and speed. With Jutta Leerdam leading the charge, the Olympic Oval is set to deliver a memorable competition.