Olympics-Short track-Dutch skater Xandra Velzeboer wins gold in 500m, denies Fontana hat-trick

Milano Cortina 2026 Olympics - Short Track Speed Skating - Women's 500m - Finals - Milano Ice Skating Arena, Milan, Italy - February 12, 2026. Gold medallist Xandra Velzeboer of Netherlands celebrates after winning the Women's 500m Final A REUTERS/Claudia Greco

MILAN, ⁠Feb 12 (Reuters) - Dutch skater Xandra ‌Velzeboer won gold in the women's short track 500 metres at the ​Olympics on Thursday, denying ⁠reigning champion Arianna ⁠Fontana a hat-trick in the ⁠event, as ‌the Italian had to settle for ⁠silver.

Velzeboer, who set a world record ​in ‌the semi-final, led from the ⁠start of ​the race ahead of Fontana, a gold medallist at ⁠the previous two Games ​in Beijing and PyeongChang over the 500 metres distance.

Canadian Courtney Sarault ⁠came third.

In a Milan Ice Skating Arena almost entirely orange due to the large presence ​of Dutch fans, ⁠Velzeboer redeemed herself after Tuesday's ​mixed relay fall ‌which prevented her ​team from qualifying for the final.

(editing by Keith Weir)