Rob Tibben, a physiotherapist from Wierden, accompanied the IKO-X2O speed skating team to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan, providing support and care to athletes including world champion Joy Beune.
According to AD, a Dutch news outlet, Tibben shared insights into his role and experiences during the Games, where he traveled directly from Inzell, Germany, to Milan with Beune as his passenger.
Tibben described the journey to Milan as relaxed despite having a top athlete beside him. Their strong connection contributed to a mix of lighthearted moments and meaningful conversations, which Tibben attributed to their common regional background. Upon arrival at the Olympic Village, the atmosphere was intense and emotional, requiring a balance between celebrating successes and supporting athletes facing disappointment. Tibben emphasized the importance of being present for athletes who experience setbacks, highlighting this as central to his work.
Throughout the Games, Tibben’s responsibilities centered on maintaining the physical condition of the athletes. His role involved attending training sessions, providing treatments multiple times daily, and ensuring competitors could perform without pain. While he remained mostly out of sight during competitions, his behind-the-scenes efforts were vital. Tibben noted the impressive physical resilience of the athletes and the trust they placed in his care.
One challenging moment was when Joy Beune finished just shy of the podium in fourth place on the 3000-meter event. Tibben described this outcome as disappointing given the high expectations but commended Beune’s professionalism and ability to quickly refocus. In such situations, his support went beyond physical treatment to offering emotional presence, often without needing many words.
Tibben spoke about the close bonds formed over more than a hundred days of travel and training with the team. Athletes frequently sought him out not only for therapy but also for conversations and relaxation away from competitive pressure, sometimes spending time in his room to unwind and play games.
Another athlete, Sebas Diniz, participated in his first Olympics and finished fifth in the 500-meter race. Tibben observed Diniz’s calm demeanor and strong focus, describing him as an “ice rabbit” who remained composed in all circumstances. Although Diniz initially appeared to downplay his near-podium finish, Tibben later noticed a sense of pride emerge. Diniz’s independence and concentration stood out during the Games.
Reflecting on the intensity of the experience, Tibben expressed his willingness to serve the team again if given the opportunity, underscoring the rewarding nature of his role supporting elite athletes at the Olympic level.
