Beau Snellink triumphed at the 2024 Dutch Allround Speed Skatings Championships, held over the weekend at Thialf, Heerenveen, firmly establishing himself as the new national champion. This event proved to be thrilling, with teammates and rivals alike pushing each other to their limits.
Snellink, racing for Team Essent, not only secured his first national title but did so with remarkable performances across four distances. He delivered outstanding times, particularly on the 1500 meters, where he outpaced his closest competitor, Chris Huizinga, to take the lead early on.
After three rounds, the competition was tight. Snellink entered the final 10,000 meters with just enough points to gain victory, yet Huizinga, the defending champion, had faith he could turn the tide. Huizinga’s pre-existing title pressure was palpable as he needed to make up for lost time after struggling on the 1500 meters, where he finished fifth. "Beau reed echt super hard, een groot applaus voor hem," Huizinga remarked post-race, acknowledging Snellink's incredible performance.
On the final day, Snellink showed unrivalled grit, managing to execute rapid turns, finishing the 10,000 meters with a personal record of 12:42.98. "Mijn 1.500 meter vandaag was absurd, en mijn 10 kilometer was nog absurder," he enthusiastically proclaimed after crossing the finish line. Snellink emerged with all the accolades and the coveted national title firmly under his belt, enhancing the impact of his comeback after facing challenges the previous season.
Huizinga, who clocked 12:39.87, also achieved his personal best, yet it sadly wasn't enough to reclaim his title. His attempt to surpass Snellink faltered by nearly six and half seconds, showcasing the fierce competitiveness this championship elicited.
The event featured six men and women battling for the top spots with rigid competition. Joy Beune shone brightly among the female competitors, clinching the top honor after overcoming several formidable adversaries, including Antoinette Rijpma-De Jong. She shifted the dynamics of the event by racing with tenacity and determination. Having missed last year’s championships, Beune’s comeback included her noteworthy 1500 meters performance, which landed her the lead.
Notably, Patrick Roest, the previous champion, did not finish the competition due to health concerns. "Het is lichamelijk op en mentaal misschien ook wel," Roest expressed, reflecting on the weariness he experienced after his match and his decision to withdraw from the final event, limiting his chances to defend his title.
With this year's championship showcasing both triumph and tribulation, where old rivals faced off, the spotlight now turns to the future. Snellink and Huizinga will represent the Netherlands at the European Championships taking place on January 11 and 12, 2025, demonstrating both of their skill sets developed through rigorous competition.
This year's allround championships not only entertained the fans but also solidified Snellink's status as one of the country’s foremost speed skaters, fueling excitement for the upcoming international events.