Coach Jillert Anema, despite turning seventy last year, remains actively involved with his speed skating team and often documents their experiences through photos and videos, including those from a recent event in Milan.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch sports news outlet, reports on his role and interactions with the team.
Anema’s enthusiasm for filming is well known among his team members. At the event in Milan, he was described as being ‘in his element’ while capturing footage, including moments from the TeamNL House celebration. One team member noted how Anema managed to reach the front row during a crowded gathering by loudly asking people to make way, which brought a lighthearted atmosphere. His strong presence on camera reflects his personality, but teammates describe him as kind and family-oriented, likening him to a proud grandfather walking among the group.
During the Dutch Allround Championships (NK Allround), the close relationship between Anema and one of his skaters, Conijn, experienced tension. Conijn withdrew after the 500-meter race, a decision that Anema initially found problematic given the desire to prove the selection committee wrong. The committee had chosen three skaters for the World Allround Championships, rather than the two initially announced, and Anema had hoped for a strong four-race competition. However, illness prevented Conijn from performing at the expected level. The disagreement was addressed promptly, leading both trainer and skater to express intentions to continue their collaboration with a contract extension.
