joy beune steps into the spotlight beyond the ice

joy beune steps into the spotlight beyond the ice

2026-02-11 roddel

Heerenveen, woensdag, 11 februari 2026.
joy beune is no longer just known for her speed on the ice. the dutch athlete made headlines in 2024 after posing for playboy, a move she called “next level”. supported by her partner kjeld nuis, the decision sparked debate far beyond sports circles. at 26, beune stands tall as a multi-time world champion, with gold in hamar and dominance in team pursuit. yet her latest race isn’t on skates—it’s reshaping her public identity. while fans watch for medals in milano, others wait for personal milestones, like the romantic proposal she once hoped for outside the rink. her journey blends performance, image, and choice.

joy beune steps into the spotlight beyond the ice

Joy Beune is no longer just known for her speed on the ice. The Dutch athlete made headlines in 2024 after posing for Playboy, a move she described as “next level” [1]. Supported by her partner Kjeld Nuis, who responded enthusiastically saying, “hoe cool, hoe stoer!”, the decision sparked widespread discussion beyond sports circles [1]. At 26, Beune has established herself as a multi-time world champion, winning gold in Hamar during the 2025 World Championships on the 1500m and 3000m distances, as well as in team pursuit [1]. Yet her latest public chapter focuses not on competition but on shaping her broader identity.

olympic hopes and setbacks in milaan

The 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan marked a pivotal moment in Joy Beune’s season. She competed in the 3000 meters, finishing fourth—just off the podium—and missing out on individual medal glory [7]. Her attempt at qualification for the 1500 meters was thwarted due to equipment issues, specifically a malfunctioning zipper that disrupted preparation [7]. Despite these setbacks, Beune remains eligible for the team pursuit event, where past successes suggest a strong chance at redemption [1]. Reflecting on her performance, she admitted longing for gold, especially seeing teammates Jutta Leerdam and Femke Kok win medals on the 1000 meters [7].

public image and personal aspirations

Beyond athletic achievements, Joy Beune has cultivated a distinct public persona. In 2020, she was named “most beautiful female athlete” by FHM, a recognition she acknowledged with mixed feelings, emphasizing that her physique results from rigorous training—not aesthetic goals [1]. She expressed hope for a romantic marriage proposal from Kjeld Nuis, specifying it should happen outside sporting environments and not while wearing jogging attire [3]. Their decade-long relationship, which began in 2019 following Nuis’ divorce from Jill de Robles, has evolved into a widely recognized partnership both personally and professionally [2].

media attention and criticism

Beune’s visibility extends beyond the track, drawing both admiration and backlash. Her 2024 Playboy feature generated significant commentary, including criticism from some quarters. Erik Dijkstra labeled the decision immature, calling it a reaction akin to someone mentally ten years old [1]. Beune revealed receiving harsh messages afterward, describing them as deeply unpleasant and offensive [1]. Earlier in her career, conflicts arose with national coach Rintje Ritsma, particularly regarding team selection for the team pursuit event in December 2022 [1]. Despite controversies, figures like Ireen Wüst praised her capabilities, stating competitors might as well quit upon racing against her [1].

career highlights and future prospects

Joy Beune’s competitive record underscores her elite status. She claimed her first individual world championship title in 2024 at Calgary, defeating rival Irene Schouten to win gold on the 5000 meters, complemented by bronze on the 1500 meters and team gold in the team pursuit [1]. A year later in Hamar, she achieved triple gold across the 1500 meters, 3000 meters, and team pursuit, though missed competing in the 5000 meters due to failed qualification procedures [1]. Born April 28, 1999, in Borne, Overijssel, Beune stands 1.72 meters tall and continues representing the Netherlands internationally [1]. With ongoing participation in major events, her influence in Dutch speed skating persists.

Bronnen


Kjeld Nuis Joy Beune