Today Wrapped: January 2nd 2026

Summary of January 2nd 2026

• Joy Beune publicly condemns hostile messages aimed at partner Kjeld Nuis after team selections.
• Controversy surrounds Dutch Skating Federation’s choice of Marcel Bosker over Tim Prins for Olympic team pursuit.
• Tim Prins expresses deep frustration and disappointment over being left out of the Olympic team.
• Coach Rintje Ritsma faces death threats following the Olympic team announcement, highlighting fan backlash.
• Marrit Fledderus reflects on her Olympic qualification disappointment after a double false start.
• Analysis criticizes the Dutch federation’s team pursuit prioritization and selections echoing past issues.

Olympic Team Selection Sparks Backlash

The Dutch Skating Federation’s decision to select Marcel Bosker over Tim Prins for the team pursuit event in Milan has stirred significant controversy. The federation justified the choice by citing higher medal prospects for Bosker, despite Prins ranking better in some events. This decision has resulted in vocal criticism and disappointment within the skating community.

Read more about the selection explanation here.

Tim Prins Speaks Out on Olympic Exclusion

Tim Prins has issued two strong statements expressing his anger and disbelief after being excluded from the Olympic Games team. Prins described the outcome as a deliberate and unfair decision, despite his qualifying performances. His frustration underscores tensions within the Dutch speed skating selection process.

His frustration after missing the opportunity is detailed here. Further comments about his exclusion are available here.

Joy Beune Appeals for Respect Amid Online Hostility

Joy Beune has publicly condemned the hateful and hostile messages directed at her partner Kjeld Nuis, especially following the Olympic selections. She has urged the public and fans to refrain from wishing harm or death to athletes, emphasizing respect and sportsmanship despite differences in opinions or outcomes.

Her initial response can be found here, with a subsequent appeal here.

Coach Rintje Ritsma Receives Threats After Team Announcement

Following the Olympic team announcement, coach Rintje Ritsma has been the target of online death threats and harsh criticism. This troubling development reflects the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the Dutch speed skating team decisions.

The full story and Ritsma’s response are accessible here.

Athlete Reflections on Olympic Qualification Disappointments

Marrit Fledderus shared her reflections after an emotional Olympic qualification tournament marked by a double false start that dashed her hopes of qualifying. She spoke openly about the disappointment and the challenges faced under pressure.

Read her detailed reflection here.

Expert Analysis on Federation’s Selection Controversy

Renze Lolkema provides a detailed critique of the Dutch Skating Federation’s team pursuit selections, labeling the decision as a repeated error reminiscent of choices made four years ago. The analysis argues that prioritizing team pursuit over middle-distance events has negatively impacted athlete morale and public support.

Explore the full analysis here.