Xandra Velzeboer of the Netherlands secured the gold medal in the women’s 500m short track speed skating event at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan on February 12, 2026. The victory marks the first gold medal for the Dutch team at these Games, and a personal triumph for the reigning world champion.
Velzeboer dominated the final, establishing a lead from the start and maintaining it throughout the race. She finished ahead of her competitors, denying Italy’s Arianna Fontana a third consecutive Olympic gold in the event. Dutch teammate Selma Poutsma finished fourth.
The gold medal performance follows a dramatic turn of events for Velzeboer earlier in the competition. During the mixed team relay, she fell during the semi-final, eliminating the Dutch team from medal contention and resulting in a visibly emotional response from the skater.
Prior to the final, Velzeboer set a world record of 41.399 seconds in the semi-final round, showcasing her peak form. This performance underscored her status as a favorite for the gold medal. The win represents a significant moment for Dutch short track speed skating, led by head coach Niels Kerstholt, who has now overseen four gold medal performances by his athletes at the Milano-Cortina 2026 Games.
The Dutch team’s success comes as the Olympic Winter Games continue in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, with events spanning bobsleigh, ice hockey, and figure skating alongside the short track competitions.
