Xandra Velzeboer storms to gold as Dutch short-track dominance continues
Xandra Velzeboer extended Dutch supremacy in Olympic short-track by taking gold in the 1, 000 metres, adding to an earlier victory on the 500-metre distance and handing the Netherlands a clean sweep of the individual events so far. The celebrations in the Milano Ice Skating Arena contrasted sharply with an emotional moment for her younger sister, Michelle, who narrowly missed advancing after a costly mistake.
Commanding performance in the 1, 000m final
Velzeboer delivered a composed, tactical race to capture the 1, 000m title. She moved into position at the crucial moment and stamped her authority in the closing laps, holding off a late challenge to seal gold. The podium was rounded out by strong rides from Courtney Sarault, who took silver, and Kim, who claimed bronze.
The victory means Velzeboer now owns two individual Olympic golds at these Games, having already triumphed on the 500m. Those results helped the Dutch team notch an unprecedented run in short-track: every individual distance contested so far has been won by a Netherlands skater. Teammate Jens van't Wout also contributed multiple gold medals, underlining the depth of the squad.
Michelle Velzeboer’s near-miss and emotional aftermath
While the headline belonged to Xandra, the day was complicated by a painful exit for Michelle Velzeboer in the 1, 000m. The 22-year-old made an error in the final corner of her race and missed out on a spot in the semifinals by the smallest of margins. Fighting back tears in a secluded area beneath the arena, she said: "I don't understand what happened in the last corner. Normally I have the overview then, but this time I didn't. Maybe I was too focused. "
Michelle remains in the competition schedule and will race the 1, 500m and take part in the women's relay. She tried to reset her outlook amid disappointment: "I'm going to dream now of a medal in those distances. Because if you stop dreaming, why do you do it?" The image of her composure cracking in the arena's lower levels was a reminder of the fine margins in short-track and the emotional toll of elite competition.
Momentum, expectations and what’s next
The Dutch team's run of victories has shifted expectations for the remainder of the short-track programme. With all individual distances claimed and relays still to come, the squad travels into the next sessions buoyed by form and confidence. The coaching staff, led by head coach Niels Kerstholt, has overseen a campaign that balances aggressive racing with tactical patience.
Upcoming events include the women's 1, 500m, where Michelle has another chance to chase a medal, as well as the men's 500m and the relay finals. The squad’s success has created a party atmosphere within the team, but athletes stressed the need to stay focused; short-track racing is notoriously volatile and a race can turn on a single touch or misjudged pass.
For Xandra Velzeboer, the golds reinforce her status as a defining figure of this Olympic short-track tournament. For Michelle, the setback is painful but not decisive: she still has opportunities to add to the Dutch medal haul and will seek to turn the disappointment into fuel for the remainder of the programme.
