The Dutch women won five of six available medals on the second day of the ISU European Speed Skating Championships in Heerenveen. Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, Marijke Groenewoud and Joy Beune swept the 1500m podium, while Femke Kok and Jutta Leerdam took gold and silver in the 500m. Vanessa Herzog (AUT) was the only non-Dutch medalist in Saturday’s women’s competition, with bronze in the 500m.
The Netherlands swept the women's 1500m podium at the 2024 Europeans in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
Rijpma-De Jong back in groove
Rijpma-De Jong took on Groenewoud in the penultimate pairing of the 1500m, who had beaten her to the silver medal at last week’s Dutch championships. This time, it was Rijpma-De Jong’s turn to celebrate as she started fast to establish a 0.3 advantage over her compatriot at the 700m split. Groenewoud skated slightly quicker in the second part of the race, but Rijpma-Jong confidently kept her at bay to take gold.
Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong celebrates European 1500m gold in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
It was all about technique, Rijpma-De Jong said:
“This was great. I was really eager to skate fast and execute my technique well, like I always am, but previously I just didn’t manage. Sometimes you feel more like a ski-jumper than a speed skater.I know I’m okay physically, but today I finally managed to show it technically too. I could put all my power in the ice, that’s when the speed comes easy and that feeling gives you even more strength when you’re skating.”
Rijpma-De Jong finished in 1:53.48, over a second faster than her time on the same track last week. Groenewoud was faster than last week too, setting a personal best of 1:53.66.
Antoinette Rijpma De-Jong beat teammate Marijke Groenewoud to European 1500m gold in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
The 1500m silver is Groenewoud’s second medal of the competition after winning her first title in a classic distance (3000m) on Friday. But the Mass Start remains the favored event for the double World Champion.
Marijke Groenewoud won her second European medal in Heerenveen with silver in the 1500m © ISU
“I like the game of a bunch race, long-track [time-trial format] is only fun when it goes well.”
And today went well, she added:
“Antoinette just skated a super strong race with a very fast start. That’s an advantage for me too, because I skated a personal best. There’s no reason not to be satisfied.”
Bronze medalist Joy Beune (NED) was not completely satisfied, however. After winning the Dutch title in 1:53.91 last week, she had to settle for European bronze in 1:55.02.
“I didn’t feel like the favorite. Last week [winning the Dutch 1500m title] was super good of course, but I already felt that it really cost me a lot. I didn’t sleep well for two weeks and that sort of broke me down a bit. During the race I just felt the tank getting empty. It’s not bad [taking bronze], but it’s a bit of a pity. The gap with Antoinette and Marijke is very big and that was not my intention obviously.”
Joy Beune rounded off the all-Dutch 1500m podium with bronze at the 2024 Europeans in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
Kok leaves rivals far behind
Femke Kok (NED) retained her European 500m title convincingly. She took on Jutta Leerdam (NED) in the penultimate pairing and left her rival far behind, stopping the clock at 37.28. Leerdam finished 0.42 seconds adrift.
Femke Kok celebrates defending her European 500m title in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
“It’s great to win with such a big gap,” Kok said.
“It shows my level is really high. There are always little things to improve, but I’m the European champion, so no complaints. Secretly my goal was to win by a big margin, but you can never really tell what your rivals are going to do. I can only do what I can do, so I’m really glad I was able to show this.”
Kok was born close to Heerenveen and used to skate at Thialf Stadium as a junior. She cherished the home ice experience.
“It’s so great to be at the start here, to see the crowd that’s cheering you on and all the kids showing their banners specially made for you, that gives such a positive feeling.”
Femke Kok soaks up the home atmosphere at the 2024 Europeans in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
Despite winning silver, Leerdam didn’t share Kok’s positive feeling. She has been struggling with an ankle problem for a while.
“I just miss speed in the beginning. I managed to close in towards the end, but the 500m is just a little too short.
“I’m really trying, but in the 500m, I’m just not really able to use my strength optimally. It’s a bit frustrating. My ankle is blocked. It’s not really an injury because it doesn’t hurt, but it hampers my skating constantly because it messes up my timing.”
“I’m glad to skate the 1000m tomorrow because in that race I’ve got a little more time to adjust.”
Jutta Leerdam skated to European 500m silver in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
Behind Kok and Leerdam, 2018 European Champion Vanessa Herzog (AUT) took bronze in 37.89.
Vanessa Herzog won the only non-Dutch medal on day 2 of the 2024 Europeans in Heerenveen, Netherlands © ISU
The European Championships concludes on Sunday with the women’s Team Pursuit, the men’s 1500m, the women’s 1000m, the men’s 500m and the Mass Start for both genders.
For schedules and results of the ISU European Speed Skating Championships, please visit the webpage here.
Where to watch
Viewers will be able to watch via their national broadcaster/channel.
For countries where there are no broadcasters, the ISU will offer a live stream with English commentary on the Skating ISU YouTube Channel. You will find the full list on the Where to watch webpage here.
Subscribe to the ISU YouTube Channel to receive all the latest videos and follow the conversation with #SpeedSkating.
For all information about the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Series, please visit the webpage here.
World Cup Standings - Men
World Cup Standings - Women
All Media Accreditations details and deadlines for the ISU World Cup Short Track Speed Skating Series can be found here.
Stay connected with the ISU:
ISU Website: ISU News
ISU World Cup Speed Skating Series
ISU Newsletter: Subscribe to our weekly Newsletter to get the latest news and press releases
