Following a challenging Olympic qualification tournament, Dutch speed skater Kjeld Nuis has shifted his focus towards the upcoming Winter Olympics while advocating for changes to the current qualification system.
NOS, Netherlands.
At 36 years old, Kjeld Nuis confronted a week marked by controversy and tension during the Olympic qualification tournament (OKT). Despite the drama surrounding the event and negative reactions associated with the qualification matrix, Nuis expressed relief and pride at securing his place for the Winter Olympics in Milan. Speaking to himself at the team presentation in Thialf, he remarked, “You have made it, you can go to Milan.” He qualified for the 1,000 meters and was subsequently awarded a starting position for the 1,500 meters by the long-track selection committee. This occurred due to teammate Tim Prins losing his spot after Marcel Bosker was added as the tenth skater, a decision that left Prins dissatisfied while Nuis was relieved.
Nuis described the outcome as “crazy,” particularly noting his own performance in the 1,500 meters during the OKT, which was the worst he had produced in four years, yet still earned him a high placement. He acknowledged that the qualification was close, often described as “just scraping through.” Having won Olympic gold twice at the 1,500 meters, Nuis is set to compete again on this distance at the Games.
The qualification system, however, raised concerns for Nuis. The fact that he secured a place while Prins did not, despite Prins believing he had qualified, struck Nuis as unfair. He was also critical of the system when his partner, reigning world champion Joy Beune, failed to qualify for the 1,500 meters. He emphasized his ongoing belief that the current arrangement is flawed and called for a thorough examination and possible modifications to better reflect athletes’ performances and statuses.
Nuis suggested that results from World Cup events, where Dutch skaters earn Olympic spots, should be incorporated more significantly into the selection process. This, he explained, would help protect genuine contenders and prevent situations that appear unjust.
During the OKT, Nuis’ criticism of the system prompted a response from fellow skater Joep Wennemars. Wennemars felt Nuis’ objections were delayed and labeled them as complaints, using them as motivation to outperform Nuis. In response, Nuis dismissed engaging in disputes, acknowledging that both he and Wennemars are outspoken and that Wennemars has valid points.
With the qualification phase over, Nuis is focusing on preparing for the Winter Olympics. Although he admitted to moments of emotional difficulty during the qualification, he is satisfied with his current form and does not feel the need for further adjustments in the weeks leading up to the Games. “No, nowhere,” he confirmed when asked if he felt any preparations were incomplete.
