Xandra Velzeboer added another gold medal to her collection at the Winter Games in Milan. She secured first place in the 1,000-meter short track event. This victory marks her second Olympic gold during these games, following her triumph in the 500-meter earlier.
Velzeboer Triumphs Over Top Competitors
In the final, Velzeboer faced formidable opponents, including Canadian favorite Courtney Sarault. Sarault had won three out of four World Cup events this season. The race demanded strategy, as Velzeboer began in third place, trailing Sarault and Arianna Fontana.
Strategic Racing and Solid Performance
Fighting for gold, Velzeboer made a bold move. She slipped past Fontana and quickly followed up by overtaking Sarault. Although the 1,000 meters is not Velzeboer’s strongest distance historically, she proved her mettle during this competition.
- Velzeboer’s Rankings:
- Prior World Cup Result: 1 podium finish (bronze in Montreal)
- European Champion: January 2023
Initially, it seemed that her main hardships would come from the semifinal matchups. Defending World Champion Hanne Desmet from Belgium was eliminated in the semi-finals due to a reckless overtaking move, further opening the path for Velzeboer.
Final Race Dynamics and Medal Outcomes
In the final showdown, Velzeboer not only reclaimed the lead but also skillfully maintained her position against fierce competition. She briefly lost her lead to Kim Gilli of South Korea, only to quickly regain control. Velzeboer ultimately finished first, with Sarault taking the silver medal and Gilli the bronze. Fontana, a seasoned Olympian with thirteen career medals, finished in fourth place.
Eliminations and Other Competitors
For her sister Michelle Velzeboer, the 1,000-meter race ended prematurely in the quarter-finals. She finished third in her race but did not qualify for the semifinals based on timing. Additionally, Selma Poutsma was eliminated in the qualifying rounds.
Xandra Velzeboer’s latest victory not only solidifies her place in short track history but also surpasses expectations, securing her place as a key athlete in the sport.
