Today Wrapped – December 31st 2025
Summary of December 31st 2025
- Mark Tuitert opposes Marcel Bosker’s Olympic team selection amid debate over team pursuit roles.
- Joep Wennemars triumphs at Olympic qualifiers, overshadowing Kjeld Nuis who misses 1500m qualification.
- Bente Kerkhoff and Anna Boersma secure crucial Olympic spots, while Beau Snellink misses out.
- KNSB deliberates final Dutch team for Milan 2026 after qualification tournament wraps.
- ISU President Kim Jae-youl pushes Vision 2030 to modernize speed skating worldwide.
- Athletes Elisa Dul and Joy Beune reflect on setbacks and recovery ahead of new season.
- Gerard Kemkers and new CEO Joep Wennemars spotlight coaching legacy and sibling rivalry in Dutch skating.
Olympic Qualification Drama and Team Selection Debates
Former Olympic champion Mark Tuitert publicly voiced concerns about Marcel Bosker’s inclusion in the Dutch men’s Olympic speed skating team, questioning the necessity of his role in the team pursuit event. Read more at Final Decisions Await Olympic Speed Skating Team Selection in the Netherlands.
The qualification tournament at Thialf saw dramatic results in the 1500 meters as rising star Joep Wennemars won the event, securing his spot, while reigning Olympic champion Kjeld Nuis unexpectedly finished fourth and failed to qualify. This was confirmed in two posts: Joep Wennemars Criticizes Kjeld Nuis after 1500m Results and Kjeld Nuis Misses Olympic Qualification on 1500 Meter.
Bente Kerkhoff earned a strong second place in the women’s final race, boosting her chances to compete in the Olympic mass start event. Read: Bente Kerkhoff Secures Second Place.
Meanwhile, Beau Snellink missed individual qualification for the Milan 2026 Winter Olympics, creating uncertainty about his participation in the team pursuit. Expert Marianne Timmer commented on this situation: Beau Snellink Misses Qualification.
Anna Boersma, despite a late start caused by an ACL injury, secured her Olympic spot through steady improvement, detailed here: Anna Boersma Secures Spot at Olympic Winter Games.
KNSB Faces Crucial Final Decisions
The Dutch skating federation (KNSB) is in the final stages of selecting its official Olympic speed skating team after the qualification tournament. The federation must balance performances with strategic considerations for Milan 2026. More information is available at KNSB Faces Decisions on Designated Spots and KNSB to Decide Dutch Speed Skating Team.
The closing of the Olympic Qualifying Tournament culminated in a review process to finalize the team, with details here.
Athlete Reflections: Setbacks, Recovery and New Roles
In personal reflections, Elisa Dul spoke about overcoming injury and missing qualification hopes: Elisa Dul Reflects on Challenges and Recovery. Similarly, Joy Beune expressed her disappointment after narrowly missing qualification for the 1500m event: Joy Beune Reflects on Missing Olympic Qualification.
Coach Gerard Kemkers revisited the infamous lane error at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and shared insights on his long coaching career and future ambitions: Gerard Kemkers Reflects on 2010 Vancouver Olympics.
Meanwhile, Joep Wennemars has officially taken on a leadership role as “Dutch Speed Skating Sibling Rivalry CEO,” turning his rivalry with Kjeld Nuis into a national talking point: Joep Wennemars Officially Appointed CEO.
International Developments: ISU’s Vision 2030
At the international level, ISU President Kim Jae-youl revealed plans under Vision 2030 to modernize speed skating. The initiative aims to adapt the sport to evolving global audience preferences and media consumption habits. Full story: ISU President Advances Vision 2030.
Other Highlights: Dutch Talent and Olympic Hopefuls
Dutch cycling hopeful Thijs Wiersma impressed by setting personal bests in the 1500m and 5000m speed skating events during the Olympic qualifying tournament — signaling emerging talent in multiple disciplines. Read more: Thijs Wiersma Competes at Olympic Qualifiers.
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