Joy Beune maintained her undefeated streak in the 1500 meters, while Jordan Stolz set a new track record to continue his winning momentum at the World Cup speed skating event in Heerenveen.
The Dutch news outlet NOS reported on the performances at the Heerenveen competition in the Netherlands.
On the 1500 meter event, Joy Beune delivered a strong performance finishing with the third fastest time ever recorded in Thialf with 1:53.10. She outpaced her compatriot Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, who secured the silver medal, and Canadian skater Ivanie Blondin. Beune faced stiff competition, particularly from Japan’s Miho Takagi in the penultimate heat, but executed a powerful final lap to claim her third World Cup victory this season. Beune acknowledged feeling the impact of the previous day’s five-kilometer race but expressed satisfaction with her performance. She also mentioned aiming to break the existing track record, held by Femke Kok, at the upcoming Olympic qualification tournament in December.
Other Dutch women showed solid results, with Rijpma-de Jong battling for the silver in a close race against American Brittany Bowe, who initially gained an early lead. Eighteen-year-old Angel Daleman, although not medalling, set a new junior track record with a time of 1:53.98. Melissa Wijfje placed thirteenth.
In the men’s 1000 meter event, American Jordan Stolz won again, posting a new track record of 1:06.38. This marked Stolz’s twelfth consecutive World Cup win in this distance, matching the previous record set by fellow American Shani Davis in 2010. Stolz demonstrated a faster start and sustained speed throughout, overcoming Dutch competitor Jenning de Boo, who finished fourth. Tim Prins claimed third place, followed by German skater Finn Sonnekalb in second. Analysts praised Stolz’s performance as potentially the best 1000 meter race ever skated, recognizing his exceptional form during the event.
Other Dutch skaters Joep Wennemars and Kjeld Nuis competed in the 1000 meters as well, finishing sixth and seventh respectively. Nuis had a solid race but lost time due to a minor mistake during his run.
The event schedule continues with additional distances and competitions leading up to the Olympic qualification events. Skaters and coaches are balancing performance ambitions alongside health considerations as they prepare for upcoming international challenges.
