Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam (27) won the gold medal in the 1000 meters at the Winter Olympic Games in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo, setting a new Olympic record with a time of 1:23.31.
Silver went to a Japanese woman Miho Takagi (1:13.95), while Leerdama’s compatriot won the bronze Femke Kok (1:12.59).
On her way to the gold, Leerdam broke the record set by Kok right before her, while the previous owner of the best Olympic time was Takagi.
Olympic gold could mend the damaged relationship between Leerdam and Dutch journalists. A skater, also known as an influencer girl Jake Paulon the eve of the Games, she made two moves that caused controversy. Unlike the rest of the national team, she arrived in Lombardy on a private plane, and then avoided meeting the press.
According to the agreement with the Dutch Association of Sports Journalists, Leerdam was supposed to address the media after training. Instead, gave an exclusive interview to public television NOS, while there are twenty other media representatives waited in vain for an hour. After that, she refused to make statements, reports Index.
I preferred to stay in my ‘bubble’ and prepare for the performance. Then I don’t necessarily have to talk about it much. Of course, I share a lot on the Internet and say how I’m doing, so I don’t feel the need to do that elsewhere. I think I’m pretty open anyway, Leerdam stated in her only television appearance.
On Sunday, Leerdam will have the opportunity to win a second gold medal, in the 500-meter race. She will be her biggest competitor again Femke Kokwhich holds the world record on that stretch.
(www.jabuka.tv)
