Femke Kok is widely regarded as the favorite to win the Olympic gold medal in the women’s 500 meters speed skating event, having maintained an unbeaten streak in this distance for over two years with 23 consecutive victories.
NOS, a Dutch news outlet, reports on Kok’s dominant position ahead of the Olympic event.
Kok’s most significant competitor in the 500 meters appears to be fellow Dutch skater Jutta Leerdam, who recently became Olympic champion at the 1,000 meters and has consistently finished second to Kok in three World Cup races this season. In addition, Polish skater Kaja Ziomek-Nogal has shown strong performances this season, claiming two second-place finishes and one victory in the World Cup when Kok was not competing.
Moreover, American Erin Jackson, the defending Olympic champion in this distance, is also among the contenders. The event is scheduled to commence with the first heat at 17:03 CET.
