The International Olympic Committee has awarded the 2030 Winter Olympics speed skating events to Heerenveen, Netherlands, with the French organizing committee citing Thialf ice arena as a natural choice for the competition.
Source: De Telegraaf, Netherlands
The decision was announced to considerable enthusiasm in the Frisian ice arena Thialf, where Minister of Health, Welfare and Sport Mirjam Sterk and other officials gathered to receive the news. Addressing those present, Minister Sterk quoted a well-known Frisian phrase “It giet oan!” to celebrate the occasion. The mayor of Heerenveen, Avine Fokkens-Kelder, also expressed excitement, indicating that the tournament would bring the world’s best speed skaters and their support teams to the region in about four years.
The head of the French Olympic organizing committee, Edgar Grospiron, participated via livestream. He explained that the choice to host the speed skating competition at Thialf was part of a strategic plan, designed to avoid the high costs of constructing a new ice rink in the French Alps. Grospiron described Thialf as “the home of speedskating” and credited the partnership as an opportunity to bring out the best in both countries.
The Dutch Ministry of Health, Welfare and Sport committed up to 30 million euros to prepare for the event, while the province of Friesland and the municipality of Heerenveen pledged additional funds of approximately 5 million and 2.5 million euros respectively. Minister Sterk called the event a celebration for both Friesland and the Netherlands and highlighted the significance of competing on the world’s fastest lowland track.
Mayor Fokkens reiterated that speed skating is deeply rooted in Frisian culture and expressed pride that Heerenveen will serve as one of the Olympic villages. She anticipated the city hosting a large Olympic celebration, marking a new chapter as both a sports city and an Olympic host venue.
Provincial deputy Abel Kooistra recalled that substantial prior investments had been made to modernize Thialf, turning it into a future-oriented top sports location. With international recognition now secured, he emphasized the arena’s importance beyond the local and regional level.
Thialf director Minne Dolstra noted that the venue is also considered a significant site internationally, where many foreign athletes view competing as a test of skill, often referring to it as the “Mekka” of speed skating. The upcoming Olympics will be seen as a capstone in Thialf’s 175-year history.
As a sign of cooperation, Marc ter Haar from the Dutch skating association announced support for the French speed skating program, including sharing facilities and training expertise to foster the sport in France, underscoring the unique opportunity this Olympic partnership presents.
Representatives from the Dutch Olympic Committee and athletes’ commissions acknowledged the selection as a milestone for Dutch sports and encouraged embracing the event positively. While some expressed concern over hosting the Olympics at a familiar venue, the general sentiment was one of unity and anticipation for a successful event.
