Initially, the KNSB would appoint two men and two women for both the World All-round Championships and the World Sprint Championships. But for the all-round tournament, the skating association decided to appoint three women: Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong, Joy Beune and Marijke Groenewoud.
This means for all other skaters that they can no longer qualify for the World Cup, even if they win the Dutch championship next weekend.
‘It’s very unfair’
“It is very unfair not only for myself, but for everyone who did not attend the Games and continued training for this National Championship,” said Conijn. She pointed to the regulations of the KNSB, which prescribe that the winner of the National Championship goes to the World Cup. “It is not self-evident that you will win that National Championship, but I do think that everyone should have an equal chance.”
“I’ll drive,” said Conijn. “It is not my style to withdraw now. There are people who have booked tickets. And I just don’t want to make myself known now.”
For the other three tournaments, the National Championships still serves as a placement competition. For the men, Chris Huizinga and Stijn van de Bunt have been appointed for the all-round event. For the World Sprint Championships, Femke Kok and Jutta Leerdam have been selected for the women and Jenning de Boo and Joep Wennemars for the men. Kjeld Nuis was not selected and decided to forego the National Championships and end his season.
Silver at the Winter Games
Conijn recently returned from the Winter Games in Milan, where she won a silver medal. The skater from Edam crossed the line in the 5,000 meters after 6:46.27. Only the Italian Francesca Lollobrigida crossed the finish line earlier.
Last Monday the winter sports enthusiasts were received at Schiphol. There, the satisfied but exhausted skater looked back on her Olympic debut in front of the NH camera.
The all-round and sprint world championships will take place in Heerenveen from 5 to 8 March.
