The 2024 Dutch Allround Speed SkATING Championships at Thialf unveiled thrilling moments and fierce competition among the best speed skaters. The standout during the first day was Merel Conijn, who delivered what can only be described as an astonishing performance, particularly in the 3000-meter event, which she finished with the remarkable time of 3:58.31, making her the only woman to skate under the four-minute mark.
Conijn's efforts positioned her third overall, trailing behind Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong and Joy Beune. "Yeah, top, huh?" Conijn exclaimed, visibly thrilled yet maintaining her focus on the remaining races. "I’m here to compete for the overall ranking. That's why I was especially nervous for the 500-meter, which didn't go as well as I hoped. But seeing where I stand now is surprisingly positive. I believe my results are aligned with what I showed during training," she added.
Rijpmade Jong, the defending champion, finished the 3000 meters with disappointing results compared to her usual form, placing her fourth and displaying visible frustration. Despite her past successes—having won the championship multiple times—this season had not unfolded as expected for her. Her teammate Marijke Groenewoud, initially viewed as a strong contender, also struggled, which left her slightly behind the frontrunners.
During the 1500-meter race, joy Beune showcased her strength, clocking 1:54.69, surpassing Rijpma-de Jong by nearly ten seconds. This victory allowed Beune to take the lead overall. Despite Conijn's impressive results so far, she finds herself needing to gain 7.43 seconds on Beune during the 5000-meter event—no easy feat.
One common theme among the competitors is their focus on mental resilience, which has become integral to performing under pressure. "I approach it distance by distance," Conijn explained. She emphasized the necessity of adaptability, saying, "After my 500 meters, I concentrated solely on the three kilometers, and now it’s all about the 1500 meters and the 5000 meters," highlighting the intense nature of the competition.
Looking at the standings, Beune leads the championship with 117.841 points, followed by Rijpma-de Jong at +2.29 seconds. Conijn, maintaining her determination, sits at +7.43 seconds. The battle for the top three positions is not just for pride; it also holds the prospect of qualification for the upcoming European Championships, which will take place on January 11 and 12.
After the first day of intense racing, the skaters will return for the concluding events, with Beune needing to fend off not just Rijpma-de Jong but also Conijn, who could potentially upset her quest for the title. Notably, Conijn's youthful tenacity adds pressure to the established stars of the sport, stunning fans and opponents alike.
Reflecting on her aspirations, Conijn said, "I’m still focused on performing well, but I realize the competition is fierce. Winning titles is great to think about, but it’s all about executing well one race at a time." With the final distances still to come, the atmosphere is charged, as Las skaters prepare to give it their all and possibly rewrite their records.
The anticipation mounts as the women ready themselves for the concluding events today at Thialf. How they fare may redefine the current ranking and shape their trajectories leading up to the European Championships. Could Conijn capitalize on her momentum and take the crown? Can Beune maintain her lead? Only time will tell.