At the recent Milan Olympics, Dutch speed skater Jutta Leerdam, one of the most watched athletes, secured a silver medal in the 500-meter event, finishing behind her compatriot and teammate Femke Kok. Kok, who had lost to Leerdam in the 1000 meters, set a phenomenal Olympic record with a time of 36.49 seconds, while Leerdam clocked 37.15 seconds. Kok's victory was anticipated since she holds the world record for the 500 meters and has an impressive streak of 25 consecutive wins in official competitions.

Both skaters have been prominent in the short-distance events during the Milan Olympics, establishing themselves as dominant forces in the sport. However, their relationship is marked by intense competition, as they not only represent the Netherlands as teammates but are also each other's fiercest rivals. After Kok's victory, she stirred speculation about the competitive dynamic between them by making a revealing comment regarding her relationship with Leerdam, emphasizing their distinct styles: "She does it her way, and I do it my way."

This rivalry narrative has been fueled by media coverage in the Netherlands, portraying it as a cold duel between the two athletes. Leerdam and Kok's contrasting competitive approaches and performances create an intriguing storyline that resonates with fans and adds drama to their encounters on the ice, especially in event-stacked competitions like the Olympics.