Miho Takagi, the most successful Japanese speed skater, has set her sights on winning gold in the 1500m event at the 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milano Cortina, following her achievement of three bronze medals earlier in the competition.
According to the International Skating Union (ISU) based in Switzerland, Takagi has already earned bronze medals in the 1000m, 500m, and Team Pursuit events at these Games.
Takagi’s focus now turns to her preferred distance, the 1500m, where she finished second behind Ireen Wüst of the Netherlands during the previous Winter Olympics in Beijing. With Wüst since retired, Takagi faces a new set of rivals, primarily from the Dutch team. This upcoming race marks an important milestone in Takagi’s career, as her bronze in the Team Pursuit secured her 10th Olympic medal overall, including two golds and four silvers.
Reflecting on her goals, Takagi emphasized that her motivation is centered on personal achievement rather than overcoming past competitors. She stated that the confidence gained from the Team Pursuit will help her approach the tougher challenge that the 1500m presents. Her disciplined approach underlines her long-term commitment to this event.
One notable absence from the 1500m competition is Joy Beune of the Netherlands, who won all four World Cup 1500m events during the season but did not qualify for the distance at the Dutch Olympic trials. Takagi expressed surprise at this outcome and regret about not being able to compete directly with Beune in the Olympics. Norwegian skater Ragne Wiklund also voiced disappointment over Beune’s absence, suggesting that the Dutch federation reconsider its qualification criteria.
The Dutch team for the 1500m features Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong, Femke Kok, and Marijke Groenewoud, who placed ahead of Beune at the trials. Rijpma-De Jong was the 2023 World Champion, and Groenewoud earned silver at the 2024 European Championships. Femke Kok, though a newcomer to international 1500m races, qualified by securing silver at the Dutch trials after setting a track record domestically. Kok, who has already won gold in the 500m and silver in the 1000m at these Games, views the 1500m as a new challenge and will compete as an underdog in this event.
The women’s 1500m event, featuring 30 athletes from 16 countries, takes place at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium. The current world record for the distance is held by Takagi herself, at 1:49.83, set in 2019. The Olympic record was set by Ireen Wüst in Beijing in 2022 at 1:53.28. The 1500m competition is scheduled to start at 16:00 local time on Friday, 20 February 2026.
