Kjeld Nuis secured a bronze medal in the men’s 1000m speed skating event at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan on Thursday, February 19, 2026, potentially bringing his illustrious Olympic career to a close. The 36-year-vintage Dutch skater finished third, marking his final appearance in the Olympics, though he has left the door open for a possible return should the 2030 Winter Games be held in Thialf, Heerenveen.
The victory was particularly poignant as it came with his family in attendance, including his nine-year-old son, Jax. Jax was observed cheering from the stands, though, according to reports, he admitted the event wasn’t entirely captivating, finding only the start “very exciting.” The presence of his family added an emotional layer to Nuis’s achievement, especially given his indication that these are his final Olympic Games.
Nuis’s girlfriend, Joy Beune, also competed at the games, winning a silver medal. Her emotional reaction to Nuis’s bronze was visible, highlighting the shared significance of the event for the couple.
The Dutch Olympic Qualification Tournament, held on December 29, 2025, at the Thialf ice rink in Heerenveen, Netherlands, served as a crucial stepping stone for Nuis’s Olympic journey. Jax Nuis was present at this event, supporting his father during the qualification process.
Despite the celebratory atmosphere surrounding his bronze medal, Nuis hinted at a possible exception to his retirement plans. He suggested that if the 2030 Winter Olympics were to be hosted at the Thialf ice rink in Heerenveen, he might consider competing again, stating, “Als het in Thialf is…” (“If it is in Thialf…”).
