Merel Conijn Expresses Gratitude After Winning Silver at Milan Cortina 2026

Merel Conijn narrowly missed gold by 0.1 seconds in the 5000 meters at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics but expressed heartfelt thanks to her team and supporters following the event.

Eurosport Netherlands reports that the Dutch speed skater was emotional during her interview after the podium ceremony, acknowledging the importance of her entourage in achieving the silver medal.

After the thrilling finish in the 5000-meter race, Conijn took a moment to compose herself before addressing the media. She emphasized the critical role of her support network, stating that without the encouragement and dedication of her team, family, and friends, her performance would not have been possible. Conijn described the intense hard work and teamwork that contributed to her success.

Looking ahead, Conijn mentioned her plans to enjoy the moment with her loved ones before participating in the upcoming Dutch Allround Championship, where she aims to qualify for the World Championships. Despite narrowly missing out on gold, she plans to celebrate the conclusion of her Olympic competitions with a positive outlook.

The event was marked by a strong performance from Italian skater Francesca Lollobrigida who secured her second Olympic title by winning gold in the same race. Coverage of the Winter Olympic Games by Eurosport and HBO Max continues to provide live updates, expert commentary, and in-depth analysis of the competitions.