Today Wrapped – February 20th 2026

Summary of February 20th 2026

• Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong wins her first Olympic gold in the women’s 1500m speed skating event.
• Netherlands achieves an unprecedented fifth consecutive gold medal in 1500-meter speed skating.
• Kjeld Nuis recognized for longevity and technique; celebrates bronze with family in Milan.
• Key updates on race standings and athlete reflections highlight Winter Olympics progress.
• Suzanne Schulting returns to short track, while mass start favorites prepare for upcoming events.
• Jutta Leerdam advised to consider retirement as discussions around athlete futures continue.

Olympic Highlights: Women’s 1500m Speed Skating

Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong secured a thrilling victory in the women’s 1500 meters at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, capturing her first Olympic gold. She narrowly beat Norway’s Ragne Wiklund, who earned silver by just six hundredths of a second. Canadian Valérie Maltais claimed bronze, adding to her decorated career.

Multiple sources, including ISU Skating, CBC, Aftenposten, and AD.nl detail the significance of this podium finish.

Dutch Dominance Continues

The Netherlands further cemented their legacy by winning their fifth consecutive gold medal in the 1500-meter speed skating event. This milestone joins illustrious athletes such as Ireen Wüst and today’s champion Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong in Dutch speed skating history. Detailed coverage can be found at nu.nl.

Kjeld Nuis Praised for Career and Celebrates Bronze

Speed skating expert Van Velde highlighted Kjeld Nuis’ remarkable career longevity and technical prowess in sprint disciplines. Nuis earned a bronze medal in Milan, celebrating the achievement with his parents present during the medal ceremony, emphasizing the importance of family support. Read more at schaatsen.nl and ad.nl.

Race Updates and Athlete Reflections

The men’s and women’s 1500 meter races have seen exciting developments. Femke Kok finished fifth in a challenging race, while Marijke Groenewoud placed tenth and is gearing up optimistically for the upcoming mass start event.

Comprehensive standings and schedule details post ice resurfacing are available at nos.nl. Athlete reflections on their performances provide deeper insight into the competition’s intensity.

Other Notable Stories

• Suzanne Schulting returns to short track speed skating at Milan after focusing on long track this season. Read more at nos.nl.
• Bart Swings and Francesca Lollobrigida prepare respectively to defend and pursue multiple Olympic titles in the mass start events at Milano Cortina 2026 (isu-skating.com).
• Jutta Leerdam receives advice from her father Ruud to consider retirement amid intense career reflections (nos.nl).
• Coach Gerard van Velde receives praise for his vital role guiding Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong to gold (nos.nl).
• Emotional support from family and moments of joy remain key themes for skaters at this year’s Olympics (schaatsen.nl).

Source articles

• Femke Kok Reflects on Challenging 1500m Race at Winter Olympics
• Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong Wins Olympic Gold in 1500 Meters Speed Skating
• Marijke Groenewoud Reflects on 10th Place Finish in 1500m at Winter Olympics