The municipality of Tilburg is organizing a festive tribute on Tuesday, March 3, 2026, for Friso Emons, Olympic champion in short track relay. The ceremony will take place at the Ireen Wüst Ice Rink, with the official part starting at 6:45 PM.
Residents, supporters, and media are warmly invited to honor the Tilburg athlete for his exceptional performance during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics.
Tribute at the Ireen Wüst Ice Rink
The evening begins with a public tribute by the Tilburg ice clubs, who spotlight Emons as one of their own talents. This is followed by the official tribute by Mayor Gräper-van Koolwijk and Alderman van Asten (Sports). With this, the municipality expresses its pride in the athlete, who with his perseverance, team spirit, and achievements is an inspiration for the entire city.
During the first hour, from 6:30 PM to 7:30 PM, the Ireen Wüst Ice Rink is free to access for recreational skating. The municipality of Tilburg aims to encourage residents to get moving and experience how lively ice sports are in the city.
Victory lap at Tilburg Trappers
After the public gathering at the ice rink, Friso Emons will be further honored during the Tilburg Trappers match. Here he will skate a victory lap in a sold-out Ice Sports Center. The presence of the Alderman for Sports underlines the importance of his Olympic achievement for the city.
Olympic gold in Milan
Friso Emons won gold in the 5,000 meter relay with the Dutch short track team during the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The team rode a strong, controlled final and convincingly stayed ahead of international competitors. For Emons, the gold was an impressive culmination of his Olympic performance and a moment of great emotional value, shared with family and loved ones who were present in Milan.