Strong performance at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Thialf: Reggeborgh speed skating team qualifies several skaters for Milan
During the Olympic Qualification Tournament at Thialf, held from 26 to 30 December 2025, Femke Kok, Jenning de Boo, Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, Kjeld Nuis and Marcel Bosker secured their places at the Olympics. When it mattered most, they earned a place on the selection matrix to compete in Milan.
In the women’s events, Femke Kok was one of the standout performers. She set the tone with a win in the 1,000 metres and was in a class of her own in the 500 metres, setting a track record of 36.87. As if that weren’t enough, she surprised everyone in the 1,500 metres with an impressive second place, just 0.01 seconds off the win. The 1,500-metre title went to Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, who put in a fantastic performance over this distance.
The men’s events also produced some impressive performances. Jenning de Boo confirmed his top form by winning the 500 metres in 33.96 and later went on to claim victory in the 1,000 metres as well, thereby securing his place at the Games in convincing fashion.
For Kjeld Nuis, it was a tournament full of emotions and promise. He secured an Olympic place in the 1,000 metres and has also been given the opportunity by the KNSB to compete in the 1,500 metres in Milan. This keeps him in contention to defend his Olympic title at that distance.
Marcel Bosker was selected by the selection committee to compete in the team pursuit in Milan.
At the same time, there is also room for Tim Prins’s story. He put in a top performance at Thialf, including a third place in the 1,500 metres, and missed out on a place in the 1,000 metres by just 0.005 seconds. Despite that strong performance, he ultimately failed to make the final Olympic squad. Unfortunately, Bart Hoolwerf also fell outside the selection criteria and has not been allocated a place either.
