Dutch Short Trackers Strike Gold in Olympic Relay, Ending 12-Year Wait

Milan, Italy – The Netherlands men’s short track relay team secured their first-ever Olympic gold medal in the event on Friday, February 20, 2026, at the Milan Ice Skating Arena. The quartet of Jens van ‘t Wout, Melle van ‘t Wout, Teun Boer, and Friso Emons delivered a tactical masterpiece, surpassing teams from South Korea, Canada, and Italy.

A Triumphant Moment for Dutch Short Track

This victory marks a significant milestone for Dutch short track speed skating, ending a 12-year drought for gold in the relay. The team’s performance was characterized by strategic control and successful defense against aggressive attacks from their competitors. South Korea claimed the silver medal, while Italy secured the bronze. Notably, Canada, the reigning Olympic and World champions, did not reach the podium.

Revenge for Sochi 2014

The win carried particular emotional weight for head coach Niels Kerstholt, who experienced heartbreak at the 2014 Sochi Olympics when Freek van der Wart fell in the first corner of the relay final, resulting in a fourth-place finish. Kerstholt expressed his relief and satisfaction, stating, “Finally, revenge taken for 2014.” [1]

Team Composition and Strategic Changes

The winning team consisted of Jens van ‘t Wout, Melle van ‘t Wout, Teun Boer, and Friso Emons, with Itzhak de Laat serving as the reserve. Prior to the final, coach Kerstholt made the expected decision to replace de Laat with Melle van ‘t Wout. [3]

Challenges Faced During the Games

The Dutch team’s success in the men’s relay was contrasted by a difficult day for the Dutch women. Both Suzanne Schulting and Xandra Velzeboer suffered falls in the semi-final of the 1500-meter event. Schulting attributed the falls to issues with the ice quality, stating, “The ice broke simply out of nowhere.” [1]

Record-Breaking Performance

With this gold medal, the Netherlands has now achieved a total of eight gold medals at the 2026 Winter Olympics, equaling the record set in previous Games. [1]

Key Takeaways

• The Netherlands won its first Olympic gold medal in the men’s short track relay.
• Head coach Niels Kerstholt achieved personal redemption after the 2014 Sochi Olympics.
• The team’s victory was a result of tactical execution and strong defense.
• Ice conditions presented challenges for the Dutch women’s team in the 1500m event.

This historic win solidifies the Netherlands’ position as a force in short track speed skating and sets the stage for continued success in future competitions.