Milaan, Italy – The Netherlands’ short track team reached the pinnacle of success at the Olympic Winter Games in Milan, securing a historic gold medal in the mixed relay on Wednesday, February 20, 2026. The team of Jens van ‘t Wout, Melle van ‘t Wout, Teun Boer and Friso Emons delivered a masterclass performance, finally breaking a long-standing curse for the Dutch squad.
This victory marks a significant milestone for Dutch short track, ending a frustrating run of near misses in the relay event. According to reports, the relay had been a source of trauma for veteran Niels Kerstholt, making this win particularly poignant. The Dutch team’s triumph comes on the heels of individual success for Jens van ‘t Wout, who has been a standout performer at these Games.
Van ‘t Wout’s impressive run continued on Saturday, February 22, 2026, as he claimed his second Olympic title, winning gold in the 1,500-meter event. He began the final in fourth position but quickly surged into the lead, demonstrating his exceptional skill and determination. The race saw dramatic moments as top contenders William Dandjinou of Canada and Britain’s Niall Treacy both fell, leaving Van ‘t Wout to race unchallenged to victory.
Hwang Daeheon of South Korea secured the silver medal, while Latvia’s Roberts Kruzbergs took home the bronze. This latest gold adds to Van ‘t Wout’s growing list of accomplishments, following his victory in the 1,000-meter event on Thursday. Despite never having won a world championship on an individual distance, Van ‘t Wout has proven his Olympic mettle.
Earlier in the week, on Wednesday, February 19, 2026, Melle and Jens van ‘t Wout secured silver and bronze medals, respectively, in the 500-meter event. The brothers showcased their talent on the world stage, adding to the Netherlands’ impressive medal haul. The Dutch team’s performance in Milan has been nothing short of spectacular, establishing them as a dominant force in short track speed skating. This historic showing is described as “the crown on a very long legacy” for the Dutch program.
Van ‘t Wout emphasized the importance of staying focused, acknowledging the unpredictable nature of short track. “It is shorttrack,” he stated, highlighting the sport’s inherent volatility. The team’s success in the relay and individual events underscores their resilience and ability to perform under pressure. The win has been described as “magical, a fairytale come true” by those involved.
