Heerenveen, Netherlands - The World Cup 6 Speed SkATING finals kicked off on February 28th at the iconic Thialf arena, setting the stage for a thrilling display of talent just weeks before the World Championship distances. Dutch skaters displayed phenomenal performances, with two athletes, Femke Kok and Joy Beune, prominently rising to the occasion.
During the first day of competition on Friday, both Kok and Beune clinched gold medals with outstanding times. Kok, the reigning world champion, triumphed decisively on the 500-meter event, clocking 37.05 seconds, which left competitors like South Korea's Min-Sun Kim (37.65 seconds) and America’s Erin Jackson (37.71 seconds) behind. Beune demonstrated her prowess on the track as well, winning the 1,500-meter event with her time of 1:53.70, surpassing Japan's Miho Takagi (1:53.99) and China's Mei Han (1:54.52).
Kok’s performance reinforced her status as the favorite for the upcoming World Championships, having won every 500-meter race this season. “That gives me of course a super nice feeling. This gives confidence,” Kok said, reflecting on her stunning opening time of 10.32 seconds, which she noted was her fastest ever. The energy and speed she displayed indicated her readiness to defend her title and possibly secure her third consecutive championship.
Competing against Kok and Beune, other Dutch athletes also showed strong forms. Jutta Leerdam finished just behind Kok with a time of 37.77 seconds, followed by Suzanne Schulting at 37.83 seconds. Despite the competitive spirit, the day was marred for Kjeld Nuis, who was disqualified during the 1,500-meter race for exceeding the line, resulting in him injuring his foot out of frustration.
Beune’s win marked her third victory over Takagi for this season and came after she opted out of a prior race for additional training. “Yeah, we decided after the NK [National Championships] for another training block. Here winning is great, but the real work awaits in Hamar. That’s where it has to happen,” Beune stated, indicating her focused outlook as she prepares for the next significant event.
With fierce competition lined up for the finals, the weekend continued on Saturday with events like the 1000 meters for both men and women, as well as the 3000 meters for women and 5000 meters for men, all scheduled to take place throughout the day. This event not only serves as the final stage of the World Cup but also as preparation for the World Championships, making it pivotal for many athletes aimed at sharpening their skills before the big titles are on the line.
The weekend narrative also revolved around the growing tension as nations vie for victory. Just as Kok and Beune's performances lit up the arena, audiences eagerly anticipated who would emerge victorious as competition intensified, showcasing world-class speed skating at its finest.
The races ended with the community rallying together, and results were shared live throughout the weekend. The Thialf arena buzzed with enthusiasm as athletes poured not just their talents but their hearts onto the ice.
The final competition day is slated for Sunday, March 2, which will kick off with the Women’s Team Pursuit, followed by men’s and women’s individual events, including the Mass Start and Mixed Relay. This final day promises to crown champions for the season and set the tone for the upcoming World Championships, solidifying its reputation as one of the most significant speed skating events of the year.
With the stage set, eyes are on Heerenveen, where legends will be made, records will be broken, and the world will marvel at the sheer athleticism and competitive spirit of speed skating.