Jens van ’t Wout Secures Double Olympic Gold at Milano Cortina 2026
MILAN, 14 February 2026 — Dutch short track sensation Jens van ’t Wout has cemented his status as the king of the ice at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. On Saturday night, the 24-year-old athlete captured his second gold medal of the Games, navigating a chaotic and high-contact 1,500-metre final to reach the top of the podium once again.
A Masterclass in the 1,500-Metre Final
In a race defined by heavy contact and constant position changes, Van ’t Wout displayed the tactical brilliance that has become his trademark. He crossed the finish line with a time of 2:12.21, finishing just three seconds outside the Olympic record. Despite the “tricky ice” conditions he noted earlier in the week, the Dutch skater remained upright while several competitors, including Canada’s Steven Dubois, suffered falls.
Van ’t Wout’s victory on Saturday follows his triumph earlier this week on Thursday, 12 February, where he secured the 1,000-metre Olympic title in a dramatic photo-finish against China’s Sun Long. With two individual gold medals in a single Games, he has become one of the most successful Dutch short track skaters in Olympic history.
The Road to Milano Cortina
Born on 6 October 2001, in the Netherlands, Jens van ’t Wout has been a rising star in the International Skating Union (ISU) circuit for years. Representing the Trias Shorttrack club in Leeuwarden, he first made international waves at the 2019 Junior World Championships in Montreal, where he earned a silver medal in the relay.
Before his individual breakout in 2026, Van ’t Wout was already an Olympic record holder, having been part of the Dutch team that set the mark in the Mixed 2,000-metre relay during previous competitions. His progression culminated in a dominant 2024-2025 season, where he finished second overall in the ISU Crystal Globe standings, setting the stage for his current Olympic dominance.
Athlete Profile: Jens van ’t Wout
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | 6 October 2001 |
| Hometown | Sintjohannesga, Netherlands |
| Club | Trias Shorttrack (Leeuwarden) |
| 2026 Olympic Medals | Gold (1,000m), Gold (1,500m) |
| Professional Status | Athlete |
Dutch Dominance on the Ice
The Netherlands has enjoyed a stellar Day 8 at the 2026 Games. Alongside Van ’t Wout’s success, his teammate Xandra Velzeboer has also contributed to the Dutch gold medal haul, winning the women’s 500-metre event. The “Double Dutch” success in short track has propelled the Netherlands toward the top of the medal standings in Milan.
Van ’t Wout attributed his success to staying calm under pressure. “The ice is really tricky right now,” he told reporters after his 1,500m win, referring to the frequent slips and “weird falls” seen throughout the heats. His ability to stay out of trouble in a final that saw South Korea’s Hwang Dae-heon take silver and Latvia’s Roberts Kruzbergs take bronze was the deciding factor.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
How many gold medals has Jens van ’t Wout won at the 2026 Olympics?
As of 14 February 2026, Jens van ’t Wout has won two gold medals: the Men’s 1,000-metre and the Men’s 1,500-metre short track speed skating events.
Where is Jens van ’t Wout from?
He is from the Netherlands, specifically the village of Sintjohannesga, and trains with the Trias Shorttrack club in Leeuwarden.
What is Jens van ’t Wout’s date of birth?
He was born on 6 October 2001.
Who did Van ’t Wout beat in the 1,500m final?
In the 1,500m final on Saturday, he finished ahead of silver medallist Hwang Dae-heon (South Korea) and bronze medallist Roberts Kruzbergs (Latvia).