Milan, Italy – The final events of the Olympic Winter Games unfolded tonight, culminating in a thrilling victory for Dutch short track speedskater Xandra Velzeboer. The evening belonged to the Netherlands, with Jens van ‘t Wout similarly securing a gold medal, bringing the nation’s short track tally to two golds at the Milan Cortina Games. The Dutch performances capped off a day of intense competition and marked a high point for the team, though not without emotional complexities for the Velzeboer family.
Velzeboer’s win was particularly notable, as she didn’t look back on her way to the finish line, according to reporting from de Volkskrant. The victory comes after a period of significant achievement for the 22-year-old, who was born in Culemborg on March 9, 2003. She currently studies Psychology at the Open University, balancing her academic pursuits with her demanding athletic career.
From Youth Olympics to World Championships
Velzeboer’s journey to Olympic gold began with a silver medal at the Olympic Youth Games. In 2022, she transitioned to the senior circuit, joining TeamNL and quickly establishing herself as a force in short track. Her dedication paid off in 2023 when she became a world champion in the relay at the World Short Track Championships in Seoul. She repeated this success in 2024 at the World Short Track Championships in Rotterdam, securing her second consecutive world championship title in the relay. Most recently, in January 2025, Velzeboer claimed the Dutch national championship in the 1500m, 500m, and 1000m at the NK shorttrack 2025, demonstrating her versatility and dominance within the sport.
A Family Affair: Triumph and Mixed Emotions
The success of Xandra Velzeboer is deeply intertwined with her family. She is the younger sister of fellow short track skater, Xandra Velzeboer, and the daughter of Marc Velzeboer, and a niece of Alexander, Monique, and Simone Velzeboer. Even as Xandra celebrated her gold medal, her sister Michelle experienced a more bittersweet evening. According to AD.nl, Michelle’s disappointment was softened by the immense pride she felt for her sister’s achievement. The strong bond between the two sisters was evident, with Michelle expressing her joy at Xandra’s success.
Van ‘t Wout Overcomes Adversity to Claim Gold
Adding to the Dutch celebrations, Jens van ‘t Wout also secured a gold medal, overcoming significant personal challenges to reach the top of the podium. NOS reports that van ‘t Wout had faced a barrage of online hate, but channeled that negativity into a powerful performance. His victory is a testament to his resilience and determination.
Record-Breaking Performance for Velzeboer
Earlier in the day, Xandra Velzeboer also set a new world record in the 500-meter short track, qualifying for the final with a blistering time. De Telegraaf highlighted the significance of this achievement, showcasing her exceptional speed and skill.
The Dutch team’s success at the Olympic Winter Games underscores the nation’s strength in short track speedskating. As the games draw to a close, the focus now shifts to the remaining events and the overall medal count. The Dutch delegation will undoubtedly be looking to build on this momentum in the final days of competition.
The Olympic Winter Games continue, with further events scheduled throughout the week. For the latest updates and results, visit the official Olympic website at https://olympics.com/.
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