Merel Conijn and Bente Kerkhoff, both making their Olympic debut at the 2026 Winter Games in Milan, highlight the positive dynamic of competing teammates who also support each other off the ice.
Telegraaf, Netherlands
At 24 years old, Dutch speed skaters Merel Conijn and Bente Kerkhoff are preparing to compete in Milan for the first time in the Winter Olympics, fulfilling a long-held dream. Both athletes, teammates on the Albert Heijn Zaanlander team, will race individually in different events, but also face off directly in the 5000-meter race on February 12. Despite being competitors, they stress that their relationship is supportive and that competition drives them to improve.
Conijn competes in both the 3000 and 5000 meters, while Kerkhoff takes part in the 5000 meters and the mass start. Conijn explained that they encourage each other rather than avoid competition, embracing the shared experience of representing their country on the Olympic stage. Kerkhoff agreed, noting that the friendly environment extends beyond their one-on-one rivalry, including camaraderie with other teammates such as Marijke Groenewoud and Jorrit Bergsma while in Milan.
Reflecting on their Olympic journeys, Conijn described her first real Olympic memory as attending the Beijing 2022 opening ceremony as a reserve, an experience that made the event more tangible and inspiring. Kerkhoff recounted how watching the previous Winter Games motivated her to strive for her own participation, recognizing the distance she had to cover to reach this stage.
Both athletes named Irene Schouten, a fellow Dutch skater from their region, as an important inspiration due to her remarkable achievements at the Beijing Olympics and her local connections. While Conijn did not single out one athlete as her sole role model, she respects the challenges all Olympians face. Kerkhoff expressed admiration for Schouten’s progression from marathon skating to long-track success, noting their shared club affiliations and time on the same team.
When asked about their most memorable Olympic moments, both admitted they focus more on future personal growth than past highlights, emphasizing hard work and self-improvement over nostalgia. This attitude extends into their reactions to qualifying for the Milan Games, where intense emotions and stress gave way to relief and joy once confirmation was secure.
Looking ahead to the competition, Kerkhoff is excited about both individual and mass start events, appreciating the unique challenges each presents. Conijn anticipates the 5000 meters most eagerly, feeling comfortable on the longer distance. Both expressed thoughtful and heartfelt intentions regarding the potential impact of winning medals, with Conijn aiming to contribute to charitable causes such as War Child.
The two also shared lighter moments, discussing their preferences for attire, beverages, and ice cream flavors, and reflected on attending the opening or closing ceremonies. They also declined to single out a favorite coach from their Albert Heijn Zaanlander team, highlighting the importance of the entire coaching staff’s support.
In sum, Conijn and Kerkhoff illustrate how athletes can balance rivalry with friendship and mutual encouragement, bringing a positive spirit to their first Olympic experience.
