thialf in heerenveen klopt aan voor olympisch schaatsen 2030
Heerenveen, vrijdag, 6 februari 2026.
het ijsstadion thialf in heerenveen maakt serieuze kans op het organiseren van het olympisch langebaanschaatsen tijdens de winterspelen 2030. frankrijk, als hoofdorganisator, zoekt geen nieuwe locatie maar wil bestaande faciliteiten gebruiken. thialf is al instapklaar en hoeft geen grote verbouwingen te ondergaan. het stadion heeft jarenlange ervaring met internationale topschaatswedstrijden. een olympische status zou een enorme eer zijn voor fryslân en heel nederland. de uiteindelijke beslissing wordt in de zomer van 2026 verwacht.
thialf submits formal proposal for olympic 2030 bid
The Dutch consortium behind Thialf officially submitted its comprehensive dossier to French organizers on February 6, 2026 [3]. This marks the formalization of Heerenveen’s candidacy to host the Olympic long-track speed skating competitions during the 2030 Winter Games [3]. The submission includes technical specifications, sustainability plans, and logistical details demonstrating readiness [3]. Organizers emphasize that Thialf already meets elite international standards without needing major renovations [3][4].
france seeks existing facilities amid sustainability goals
France, as lead host for the 2030 Winter Olympics, has ruled out constructing new ice arenas for environmental reasons [3][4]. Officials prioritize reuse of existing world-class venues under the IOC’s ‘Agenda 2020+5’ framework [3][4]. This policy shift opens opportunities for established locations like Thialf [3][4]. Niels Dokkuma, sustainability manager at NOC*NSF, confirms the focus is on minimizing ecological impact through efficient venue usage [2]. The decision reflects broader concerns about climate change limiting viable future hosts [2].
heerenveen leverages experience and accessibility
Local leaders highlight Heerenveen’s proven ability to welcome thousands of international visitors annually [3]. Events such as World Cups and World Championships have demonstrated seamless logistics and fan engagement [3]. Located just two hours from Schiphol Airport, Thialf offers excellent global access [3]. Provincial sports official Abel Kooistra notes these factors provide a significant advantage [3]. Hosting would deliver substantial regional and national visibility boosts [3].
political and symbolic support strengthens candidacy
High-level political figures endorse the initiative. State Secretary Judith Tielen calls it a “unique chance” for the Netherlands [3]. She references the historic 1928 Amsterdam Olympics, framing a joint 2030 event with France as symbolically powerful after 102 years [3]. Minne Dolstra, director of Thialf, describes Olympic participation as the ultimate milestone in the arena’s nearly 175-year history [3]. Such broad institutional alignment underscores national commitment to the bid [3].
decision timeline remains tight but feasible
French authorities now begin evaluating both Heerenveen and Turin’s proposals following the February 6 deadline [3][4]. While Turin plans upgrades to its Oval Lingotto facility costing €12 million, Thialf asserts it is ready without costly construction [4]. Final selection is expected by summer 2026 [2][3]. Economic analyst Elmer Sterken cautions that Olympic events rarely yield financial returns, though prestige value remains high [5]. The assessment phase includes negotiations on funding and operational frameworks [3].