Jutta Leerdam faced a rare setback during the World Cup competitions held on February 1, 2025, in Milwaukee, where she unexpectedly fell during her 1000-meter race. The 26-year-old Dutch speed skater started off strong but soon found herself on the ice, finishing dead last.
"I suddenly lay down. It was over just like this. Very unfortunate and annoying, because I never fall," Leerdam explained to NOS shortly after her disappointing finish. Her fall came when the tip of her skate caught the ice shortly after the start of the race. Despite getting back up and completing her run, her chance for a competitive time was gone.
Miho Takagi of Japan, who capitalized on the moment, clinched the race with a record-breaking time of 1:13.56. Following her were the American Brittany Bowe and Dutch skater Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, finishing second and third respectively. It was Takagi’s fourth World Cup victory this season.
Reflecting on her earlier training sessions, Leerdam expressed frustration about her unexpected fall. "It’s too bad because I was doing great during training and felt strong. My workouts were perfect, and I felt prepared for this race. But then this happened—it's frustrating when you can't demonstrate your capabilities," she lamented.
Her fall has been attributed to her decision to race with older skates. "I think there was unconsciously some adjustment I couldn't make during the race. I rode with my old shoe, which must have contributed to the timing issues," she reasoned. This was particularly disheartening for the reigning sprint world champion, especially after showing consistent performance earlier this season where she garnered two silver medals during the 1000 meters.
The day also saw notable performances from other skaters, including Francesca Lollobrigida from Italy and Norwegian Ragne Wiklund, who finished first and second respectively on the 3000-meter race. For Leerdam, her ambition remains focused on upcoming competitions, particularly the World Championships scheduled from March 13 to 16, 2025, where she hopes to redeem herself. "I hope to win at the World Championships. I want to prove myself there," she stated, filled with determination.
The Milwaukee event marked the fourth World Cup of the 2025 season, following competitions held earlier this winter in Nagano, Peking, and Calgary. With additional events lined up later this season, including races in Poland and Heerenveen, the pressure remains high for skaters like Leerdam.
Post-competition, Leerdam expressed how emotional these moments can be for athletes. "I felt: this is my track, the conditions were good, and I felt the strength. But when the accident happened, I struggled to handle the disappointment. It was hard to face my own error," she shared, barely holding back tears. Describing the pressure of the competition scene, she added, "Sorry, I want to avoid crying, but I’m so upset. Last year was rough; I had high hopes for this year. I truly aimed for victory today. But sometimes, it just doesn’t come together as planned. It’s tough, and I can’t bear to lose like this."
Though this World Cup was seen as just one among many, the emotion it stirred within Leerdam highlights the pressure and hopes carried by athletes as they navigate their careers amid the competitive sports ecosystem. The determination to succeed, especially on days when things don't go as expected, is what makes sports compelling and relatable, capturing the essence of perseverance regardless of the outcome.