Historic Success at Milano Cortina 2026 Fuels Funding Appeal
The Dutch Olympic Committee*Dutch Sports Federation (NOC*NSF) has urged the government to continue and expand public funding for sports, following the Netherlands' highly successful performance at the recently concluded Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. The Dutch team secured an unprecedented third place in the overall medal table, bringing home a total of 20 medals, including a record-breaking 10 gold, 7 silver, and 3 bronze.
The call for increased investment comes as the NOC*NSF highlights ongoing budgetary pressures despite the nation's consistent athletic achievements. The Winter Games, held from February 6 to February 22, 2026, saw the Netherlands achieve its highest-ever ranking at the event.
Dominance on Ice and Record Gold Haul
The 2026 Winter Olympics proved to be a historic event for the Netherlands, with all 20 medals secured in speed skating disciplines. The 10 gold medals surpassed previous national records set in Sochi (2014), PyeongChang (2018), and Beijing (2022), where the country won eight gold medals. While the overall medal count of 20 did not exceed the 24 medals won in Sochi 2014, the performance is widely considered the 'best Games ever' for the Netherlands due to the record number of golds and the third-place finish.
- Long-track speed skating saw gold medals for Femke Kok (500 metres), Jutta Leerdam (1,000 metres), Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong (1,500 metres), and Jorrit Bergsma and Marijke Groenewoud in the mass start.
- In short-track speed skating, the Netherlands made history with five gold medals, including victories for Xandra Velzeboer (500 and 1,000 metres), Jens van 't Wout (1,000 and 1,500 metres), and the men's relay team.
Carl Verheijen, Chef de Mission of the Dutch team, noted the significant progress, particularly in short track, where the team exceeded expectations.
NOC*NSF Cites Budgetary Pressures and Future Ambitions
André Cats, sporting director of the NOC*NSF, emphasized the need for sustained government support. Speaking at a press conference, Cats stated, 'I don't want to make this a political tirade or start banging on about extra budgets, because the performances and medals have to take precedence. But if you look at the medals we won at the summer games in Paris and here, we're under pressure in budget terms.' The NOC*NSF aims to build on this success by investing in the development of other sports, such as snowboarding, bobsled, and curling.
Concerns have been raised regarding potential cuts to sports funding. The previous cabinet had proposed annual cuts of €28 million to the sports budget by reducing subsidies for facilities, although plans to increase VAT on tickets and membership fees were later reversed. Additionally, an increase in gambling tax could lead to a €12.5 million annual loss in contributions from lotteries to sports clubs. The Netherlands Sports Council has also pointed out challenges in the current funding system, including reliance on lottery funds and short funding cycles.
Government Acknowledges Role of Sports Funding
In response to the Olympic success and the ongoing discussions, Prime Minister Rob Jetten highlighted that the new coalition agreement includes additional funding to boost sports and physical activity, with a focus on grassroots initiatives. He stated, 'The more young people we get active, the greater the chance that some of them will become Olympic champions in the future.'
Mirjam Sterk, the Minister of Long-Term Care, Youth, and Sports, confirmed that the government currently provides over €50 million to NOC*NSF annually and supports athletes. She also indicated that the allocation of extra funding would be determined soon, with engagement from NOC*NSF to support both Olympic and Paralympic sports.
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