Netherlands rises to joint 7th after Van ’t Wout’s second Olympic gold
Jens van ’t Wout claimed his second gold medal on Saturday (Feb. 15, 2026 ET), propelling the Netherlands up the medal standings at the Winter Olympics in Milan–Cortina d'Ampezzo. The result gives TeamNL a timely boost as the Games head into a packed schedule of speed skating and short-track events.
Van ’t Wout seals second gold to lift TeamNL
Van ’t Wout delivered a composed performance to secure his second Olympic title of these Games, a result that handed the Netherlands a higher position on the overall medal table. The double-gold showing underlines his status as one of the standout athletes of the Dutch delegation and adds important momentum for the team midway through the programme.
Move up the medal table
The Netherlands now sits in a shared seventh place on the medals tally, climbing several spots after the latest gold. The upward movement highlights how a single victory in a marquee event can reshape a small nation’s standing in a condensed Olympic field, where every podium counts toward national ambitions.
Mixed fortunes for other Dutch contenders
While van ’t Wout provided a high point, not all Dutch stories were straightforward. A disappointing relay exchange left one speed skating squad visibly frustrated after a race that had raised expectations. In short-track and sprint distances, a handful of Dutch starters faced tough draws against top international rivals, leaving margins for error razor-thin.
Veteran names and rising talents alike are navigating form, tactical choices and the pressure of Olympic competition. One high-profile comeback saw a leading short-track figure approach competition cautiously, prioritising condition and tactical sharpness over an all-out push on return to the ice.
What’s next for TeamNL
The coming days feature several events that could further alter the standings. Dutch athletes remain contenders in a number of speed skating distances and mass-start-style events, while short-track rounds will test depth and relay coordination. Coaches and athletes have signalled clear focus on converting strong qualifying signs into finals and podium finishes where possible.
National reaction and outlook
Back home, the second gold sparked renewed interest and optimism. Team leadership framed the result as both a reward and a call to action: there is more at stake as the schedule intensifies, and the team will be looking to capitalise on present form to build a larger medal haul. The mood in the athletes’ village is cautious but determined, with several squads citing tactical tweaks and recovery priorities ahead of key races.
With the Winter Games still at an early-to-mid point, the Netherlands’ climb into the top ten is a headline moment for a delegation often measured by its sprint and speed-skating pedigree. Van ’t Wout’s double gold has given TeamNL a platform — the challenge now is to convert that platform into sustained success across the remaining sessions in Milan–Cortina.
