Bart Hoolwerf expressed his disappointment after being excluded from the Dutch Olympic mass start speed skating team, claiming the selection committee did not choose the best chance for gold and accusing coach Jillert Anema of making an unsportsmanlike gesture during the Dutch marathon championships.
AD.nl, a Dutch news outlet, reports on Hoolwerf’s reaction to the selection decision and his experience at the national marathon championships.
On New Year’s Eve, Bart Hoolwerf received a call from national coach Rintje Ritsma informing him he would not be participating in the Olympic mass start event. Despite Ritsma’s regret, the decision was made by the selection committee. Hoolwerf criticized the committee for avoiding the choice that would offer the greatest chance of a gold medal.
At the Dutch national marathon championships on New Year’s Day, Hoolwerf found himself in a dispute with officials over the handling of the race. He noted that certain riders were removed from the course late and alleged that competing coach Jillert Anema made an inappropriate gesture, specifically showing two middle fingers, a moment captured on camera, allegedly as a reaction to Hoolwerf’s racing tactics.
Hoolwerf reflected on his dedication over the past four years, highlighting his consistent participation in team pursuit training, competing in mass start events worldwide, and achieving podium finishes. He expressed frustration over not being recognized by television commentators, who he believes favor traditional long track skaters over marathon specialists like himself.
Feeling like an outsider within the skating community, Hoolwerf compared his exclusion with the situation of fellow skater Tim Prins, emphasizing his own achievements and commitment. He suggested that individual interests may have influenced the selection process more than the goal of maximizing medal chances.
Overall, Hoolwerf described the situation as disheartening after years of hard work, reflecting on the bittersweet nature of his experiences and expressing disappointment that his Olympic aspirations will not be realized.
