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Jutta Leerdam Rebounds With 500m Runner-Up at Dutch Trials After 1000m Fall as Olympic Fate Awaits Ruling

The Dutch selection committee will assess her season-long form to decide on a Milan–Cortina berth in early January.

Overview

  • Leerdam crashed in the 1000m at Heerenveen on Dec. 26 and left the ice in tears, putting her qualification in doubt.
  • She returned on Dec. 28 to finish second in the 500m behind Femke Kok, clocking 37.24 seconds to Kok’s 36.873.
  • Olympic team places will be decided by the national committee, which reviews medal prospects beyond a single trial result, with a decision expected in early January.
  • A 2022 Olympic silver medalist in the 1000m, Leerdam has multiple World Cup wins at that distance and recently won a World Cup 1000m.
  • Fiancé Jake Paul attended the trials and shared a supportive Instagram message after her strong 500m response.