Joy Beune: Dutch Speed Skating Star Faces Olympic Heartbreak in Milan
MILAN, 11 February 2026 — As the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics unfold, all eyes have been on Joy Beune, the reigning world champion who entered the games as the heavy favourite to continue the Netherlands’ dominance in long-track speed skating. However, the opening days of the competition have delivered a shocking turn of events for the Dutch star, as the “Orange” stronghold on the 3,000m distance was finally broken on Italian ice.
Olympic Disappointment in the 3,000m
Last week, on the opening day of the 2026 Winter Olympics, Joy Beune faced one of the most significant challenges of her career. Competing in the final pair against Canada’s Isabelle Weidemann, Beune was under immense pressure to beat the time set by local hero Francesca Lollobrigida.
Despite a valiant effort, Beune finished more than a second behind the bronze medal time, ultimately placing fourth. The result sent shockwaves through the skating world, marking the first time since the 2010 Vancouver Games that a Dutch skater failed to reach the podium in the women’s 3,000m. Beune appeared visibly dejected following the race, as the Italian crowd celebrated Lollobrigida’s historic gold medal for the host nation.
The Rise of a World Champion
Beune’s journey to the 2026 Olympics was defined by a stellar 2023/24 season where she established herself as the best all-round skater in the world. Her performance at the 2024 World Championships in Calgary remains the pinnacle of her career to date.
2024 World Championship Success
- Allround World Champion: Beune secured the gold medal in the allround classification, leading a historic Dutch clean sweep of the podium.
- 5,000m Specialist: She claimed the world title in the 5,000m distance.
- Team Pursuit: Beune was instrumental in securing the gold medal for the Netherlands in the team pursuit event.
- Track Records: During her 2024 campaign, she set new track records in both the 1,500m and 3,000m distances.
Athlete Profile: Joy Beune
Born in Borne, Netherlands, Beune has been a rising star in the skating world since her junior years. Standing at 1.72 m, she is known for her technical precision and endurance in middle-to-long distances.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Joy Beune |
| Date of Birth | 28 April 1999 |
| Place of Birth | Borne, Netherlands |
| Nationality | Dutch |
| Height | 1.72 m (5 ft 8 in) |
| Weight | 60 kg (132 lb) |
| Current Team | Team IKO |
Controversies and Coaching Transitions
Beune’s path to the 2026 Olympics was not without friction. In mid-2024, she made the high-profile decision to part ways with Team Jumbo-Visma. This move drew public criticism from Dutch skating legend and former coach Sven Kramer, who reportedly described the transition and subsequent solo training periods as “appalling” behaviour. Despite the external noise, Beune maintained her focus, eventually joining Team IKO to prepare for her Olympic debut.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Did Joy Beune win a medal at the 2026 Winter Olympics?
In her first major event of the 2026 Games, the 3,000m, Joy Beune finished in 4th place, narrowly missing out on a medal. The gold was won by Italy’s Francesca Lollobrigida, silver by Norway’s Ragne Wiklund, and bronze by Canada’s Valérie Maltais.
What are Joy Beune’s strongest events?
Beune is a specialist in the 1,500m, 3,000m, and 5,000m distances. She is also a world-class competitor in the Team Pursuit and Allround championships.
Who is Joy Beune’s current coach?
Following her departure from Team Jumbo-Visma in 2024, Beune joined Team IKO, where she has been training under their technical staff leading up to the Milano Cortina games.
What records does Joy Beune hold?
As of early 2026, Beune holds several track records established during her dominant 2024 season, most notably in the 1,500m and 3,000m events during the World Allround Championships.