Several Olympic speed skating champions have expressed skepticism about the possibility of holding an Olympic speed skating tournament at the Thialf ice stadium in the Netherlands during the 2030 Winter Games.
NOS Schaatsen, a Dutch news outlet, reports on the reactions of former Olympic champions to the proposal of hosting an Olympic event outside the main French Alpine venues.
The prospect of racing at Thialf in Heerenveen as part of the 2030 Winter Olympics has generated mixed emotions among elite speed skaters. Marijke Groenewoud, the reigning Olympic mass start champion from Friesland, voiced her ambivalence, noting that while the familiarity of home could be appealing, it might lack the full Olympic atmosphere. The main Games are planned to take place in the French Alps, with events spread across various ski resorts and the coastal city of Nice, making the inclusion of a Dutch ice stadium an unusual arrangement.
Peder Kongshaug, a Norwegian Olympic gold medalist from the team pursuit event in 2022, highlighted that the decision to hold speed skating races far from the core Games locations reflects the lower priority given to long-track speed skating. He described the situation as unfortunate for the sport and expressed concerns about missing out on the Olympic atmosphere created by hosting all sports together. Kongshaug acknowledged the French organizing committee’s sustainability concerns and reluctance to build or install a dedicated new skating venue solely for the Games, suggesting optimism for the sport’s development in France given their existing skating community.
Meanwhile, Dutch skaters have a long history of competitions at Thialf, including national and world championships, as well as World Cup events. Groenewoud indicated a sense of conflict, appreciating the unique experience of the Olympic village and the gathering of multiple sports and nationalities, yet recognizing the benefits of performing in front of a home crowd at a well-known venue. Her teammate Jorrit Bergsma, an Olympic champion and 40-year-old veteran, shared similar sentiments. While the idea may not dominate conversations among skaters, Bergsma acknowledged the uniqueness of potentially competing on a familiar rink so close to home, though he remains undecided about continuing his career until then.
Kongshaug suggested that hosting a skating tournament in Heerenveen could be positive if the Winter Games were fully hosted in the Netherlands, including alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, biathlon, and other sports. Without that, spreading events across countries contrasts with the traditional Olympic model of centralized, multi-sport celebrations. Nevertheless, there is consensus among the athletes about the exceptional atmosphere at Thialf, which is known for its enthusiastic crowds and vibrant ambiance.
