Dutch Domination: Femke Kok Sets Olympic Record in Women's Speed Skating 500m Event
Erin Jackson did not manage to defend her Olympic gold medal in the women's speed skating 500m event. The Dutch athletes claimed the top two spots on the podium, with Femke Kok setting an Olympic record with a time of 36.49 and Jutta Leerdam securing the silver medal with a time of 37.15. Leerdam had previously won gold and Kok had won silver in the 1000m event at the Milan Cortina Olympics. Japan's Miho Takagi took home the bronze medal with a time of 37.27, while Italy's Serena Pergher and Jackson finished just off the podium with times of 37.30 and 37.32, respectively.
Jackson, who had also competed in the women's 1000m event at the Milan Cortina Games and finished sixth, had the additional honor of being one of Team USA's flag bearers alongside bobsledder Frank Del Duca at the Opening Ceremony. The competition at the Olympics continues to unfold, and updates will be provided as the events progress.