Merel Conijn Protests KNSB Decision, Withdraws from NK Allround

Heerenveen, Netherlands – Olympic medalist Merel Conijn protested the decision by the Royal Dutch Skating Association (KNSB) to pre-allocate World Championship spots, withdrawing from the NK Allround speed skating competition on Saturday, February 28, 2026.

Protest Over Pre-Allocated World Championship Spots

Conijn, 24, competed in the 500 meters but did not start in the 3000 meters, signaling her protest against the KNSB’s decision to award all three World Championship berths to Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, Joy Beune, and Marijke Groenewoud [Nu.nl]. This effectively eliminated the possibility of earning a spot at the World Championships through performance at the NK Allround.

“A Very Unfair Situation”

Conijn expressed her frustration, stating that the KNSB’s decision had taken away her opportunity to qualify for the World Championships. She also voiced concern for other skaters who had continued training with the goal of earning a spot at the NK Allround [NOS]. “It’s not just for myself, but for everyone who wasn’t at the Games and continued training towards this NK, it’s very unfair,” Conijn said.

Coach Expresses Disappointment

Jillert Anema, Conijn’s coach, expressed his surprise and frustration with the situation. “I thought she had position her frustrations aside, but now she is not participating in the 3000 meters. She is enormously frustrated. The skating association must also adhere to rules and allow the winner of the NK to go to the World Championships,” Anema told [NH Nieuws].

Potential Legal Action

Conijn and Anema lodged a protest with the KNSB regarding the pre-allocation of World Championship spots. Anema indicated that they would have considered legal action if Conijn had won the NK Allround with a representative point total [NH Nieuws].

Impact on World Championship Reserves

By withdrawing from the competition, Conijn is no longer eligible to serve as a reserve for the World Allround Championships [DGKI].

NK Sprint Update

In a separate event, Janno Botman leads after the first day of the NK Sprint, with a 0.06-second lead over Sebas Diniz. Merijn Scheperkamp is third, and Tim Prins is fourth [NH Nieuws].