Wennemars and Lian Ziwen competed in the 1,000m speed skating final for time in Milano on the evening of 11/2. Wennemars started in the outer lane, accelerating powerfully after the final turn, while Lian was in the inner lane. According to International Skating Union (ISU) rules, when changing lanes, a skater moving from the inner to the outer lane must ensure they do not obstruct an opponent. The skater in the outer lane typically has priority if they maintain their trajectory.

Joep Wennemars (left) and Lian Ziwen in the Winter Olympic 1,000m speed skating final at the Milano speed skating rink, Italy on the evening of 11/2/2026. Photo: AP

With about 200m remaining, Wennemars reached high speed and prepared to cut into the inner lane, following his race rhythm. However, Lian maintained his lane change trajectory without yielding, causing their skate blades to collide. The contact forced the Dutch athlete to slow down and lose rhythm. Although he completed the race in 1 minute 07,58 seconds, he finished 5th, just 0,24 seconds behind the bronze medalist, Ning Zhongyan of China. The gold medal went to Jordan Stolz of the US with an Olympic record of 1 minute 06,28 seconds, while the silver was awarded to Jenning De Boo of the Netherlands.

Immediately after crossing the finish line, Wennemars raised his hand in protest. He approached Lian, exchanging words with frustrated gestures before leaving the rink. Had he not collided with Lian, the Dutch athlete would likely have secured a silver medal, based on his speed compared to other competitors.

Referees reviewed the incident and disqualified Lian for obstruction. The Chinese athlete did not appeal the decision.

The collision between Wennemars and Lian.

Under the rules, Wennemars was offered a chance to re-skate. Approximately 20 minutes after the other races concluded, he returned to the track. However, in his second attempt, the 23-year-old athlete could not replicate his initial performance, recording a time of only 1 minute 08,46 seconds. His official result remained 1 minute 07,58 seconds, placing him 5th overall.

"I cannot believe it. I had priority in the lane change and was just skating my line, but I was pushed out. My Olympic dream has been ruined", Wennemars said through tears. "I want to cry but I can't. I'm numb with emotion. I definitely could have won a medal. Nobody here thinks otherwise".

The 23-year-old athlete argued that a break of less than half an hour was insufficient for his body to recover. "A 20-minute break is impossible. No opponent, no wind, not enough recovery time", he added. "Lactic acid was still in my legs from the previous lap. It felt like I was re-skating the same final lap from half an hour ago. It's unfair".

When asked about Lian's reaction, Wennemars responded simply: "He apologized, but I don't accept it".

Wennemars argues with Lian after the race. Photo: AP

The psychological impact was greater than the athletic setback. After the race, Wennemars confided in his family that he wanted to go home immediately. "I want to go home", he told his father Erben. Despite this, he still has two events remaining: the 500m and 1,500m.

Erben, Joep's father and a former Olympian from 1998, was also deeply moved. "My son's heart is broken. He called his mother and cried non-stop", he revealed. "If he lost because he wasn't good enough, he could accept it. But when a medal is taken away, that is too hard to swallow".

Erben watched the race live from outside the track as a commentator for the NOS channel. He recalled his own painful memory of falling and being injured at the 1998 Nagano Olympics. "I've been in that situation. But Joep still has a chance to compete. Right now, he just can't see it", he added.

Coach Jac Orie tried to calm his skater immediately after the re-skate. "Joep needs to prove he is a great athlete", the Dutch coach said. "But having to re-skate in such a short time makes it almost impossible to achieve a peak performance again".

Teammate Kjeld Nuis also defended Wennemars: "I believe he was on his way to a bronze medal. But I respect Joep for daring to re-skate again".

Lian Ziwen, however, had a different perspective. "When I entered the turn, I felt Wennemars was very close, and I was also accelerating as fast as I could. He stepped on my skate blade. I don't understand why I was penalized", the 27-year-old athlete stated.

Lian added that he apologized to his opponent because "all athletes prepare four years for the Olympics", but he believed "there was no need to show such anger on the ice".

Hoang An (according to Telegraaf, Chosun)