Tension rises in the Milano Speed Skating Stadium
The draw is in. For everyone who follows the skating world, this is the moment where nerves truly race through the body. On Monday, February 9, 2026, at 5:30 PM, our Dutch women will be at the start of the 1000 meters in the temporary but impressive ice stadium in the Fiera Milano Rho. After the disappointment in the 3000 meters, where Joy Beune and Marijke Groenewoud missed out on the podium and the Italian Francesca Lollobrigida took the gold, the pressure is fully on the sprinters.
In my 30 years of experience in the dance world, I know better than anyone what a starting order does to your mental focus. Whether you have to take the stage first for a salsa solo or are in the final heat of an Olympic final: the dynamics change completely. For Jutta Leerdam, Femke Kok, and Suzanne Schulting, the 1000 meters is the moment of truth. The draw determines not only your opponent but also whether you end up in the inner or outer lane. That rhythm, that flow of the final inner turn, is just as crucial for a skater as the timing of a perfect spin for a dancer.
Jutta Leerdam under the magnifying glass
It is restless around Jutta Leerdam. While she prepares for her most important race, there is much to do about her professional attitude. Ireen Wüst recently criticized the way Jutta handles the press. According to the legendary Wüst, Jutta has a role model function that she must take more seriously. Marianne Timmer also called her behavior ‘somewhat unprofessional’ after Jutta refused to speak to the gathered Dutch press. According to an article from the AD, the focus on her own brand – including her own Olympic pin featuring Jake Paul's dog – is greater than ever.
From Miss Salsa's perspective, I look at that with a wary eye. In the entertainment world, we often see branding and performance clashing. A dancer who is more concerned with her Instagram followers than her technique will have a hard time the moment the music starts and the jury watches. Yet you cannot underestimate Jutta. Her technique on the 1000 meters is a form of art; the way she converts her power into speed is pure choreography on ice.
The technical challenge of the 1000 meters
The 1000 meters is often called the ‘queen distance’ because it is a killer combination of pure sprint and endurance. You have to start like an explosion, but maintain your technique in the second lap when the lactic acid kicks in. For the draw, this specifically means:
- The opponent: Do you have someone you can keep at your back on the crossover?
- The lane: Do you finish in the inner turn? This often gives a psychological advantage in the final meters.
- The ice: In the halls of Fiera Milano, the ice is fresh and fast, but the air pressure in such a large event hall can be treacherous.
According to the NOS program, this is one of the most important medal chances for TeamNL. After the win by Norwegian Sander Eitrem in the men's 5000 meters, the Netherlands is starving for gold. The atmosphere in Milan is electric, partly due to the moving opening ceremony with Andrea Bocelli in the San Siro stadium, but the sporting reality is harsh: the Netherlands is currently still empty-handed.
Lessons from top-level sport for dancers
What can we as dancers learn from this Olympic struggle? It's about the balance between your public image and your technical execution. Jutta Leerdam is a star, a performer, but once the draw is known and she stands at the starting line, only technique counts. At Miss Salsa, we always emphasize this: you can have the most beautiful outfit, but if your foundation isn't solid, you'll fall short as soon as the speed picks up.
The focus must now be entirely on that 1000 meters. The draw has shuffled the deck. For fans who want to be there: tickets for these sessions cost between €180 and €280, and the atmosphere in the Milano Speed Skating Stadium will be unparalleled. We hope that the Dutch flag can finally come out of the bag and that Jutta, Femke, or Suzanne will make the ice tremble like we're used to in the Netherlands.
It is a matter of maintaining rhythm, controlling the nerves, and showing that under the highest pressure, you can still dance on the cutting edge. In any case, I'll be in front of the TV on Monday to see if the draw turns out favorably for our girls.