Femke Kok says she will miss rivalry with Jutta Leerdam

Femke Kok says she will miss racing against Jutta Leerdam this skating season after her fellow Dutch speed skater announced she would not compete. At a presentation for her Reggeborgh team, Kok said she understood Leerdam’s decision but was disappointed to lose a rival who had helped motivate her for years. ANP reported Kok’s remarks on 8 October. [1]

Kok described Leerdam as a consistent competitor who performed when it mattered. She said she enjoys being part of her team each day and contrasted that with what she characterised as Leerdam’s more solitary path. ANP reported that Leerdam had announced the previous month that she would not compete this season. [1]

The pair finished first and second in both the 500m and 1,000m at the Milan Olympics earlier this year. Kok won 500m gold and 1,000m silver; Leerdam took 1,000m gold and 500m silver, according to ANP. [1]