Speedskater Jorien ter Mors breaks Olympic record for gold

Feb. 14 (UPI) -- Jorien ter Mors broke the Olympic record as she upset title favorite and world record holder Nao Kodaira of Japan to win the women's 1,000 meters speed skating at the Pyeongchang Winter Games Wednesday.

Finishing in one minute and 13.56 seconds, Mors shattered the old Olympic record of 1:13.83, which was set by Chris Witty of the United States at the Salt Lake City Games in 2002.

Ter Mors has struggled with back and knee injuries this season on the way of winning her third Olympic gold speed skating medal in her third appearance in the sport at the Winter Games. Moreover, she has won all three of her gold medals in Olympic record times including the 1,500m and team pursuit at the Sochi Games in 2014.

"I'm really happy. I worked really hard. I had a lot of struggles at the beginning of the season. Did some changes towards the Olympics and it paid off so happy to be here (as) Olympic champion. It means a lot," said Ter Mors.

"The best one (medal) I have here when I work really hard and then at the right moment being in shape, doing this. It's great."

Ter Mors' victory also extended Dutch speed skaters' title winning streak to five at Pyeongchang as they have reaped nine medals out of 15 on offer in five events so far.

Kodaira had to settle for the silver medal with 0.26 seconds behind and the bronze medal went to Japanese Miho Takagi in 1:13.98.

Sochi Olympic champion Zhang Hong of China finished 11th at 1:15.67.

American Brittany Bowe just missed the podium in fourth place.