For TeamNL, Kimberly Bos (skeleton, Ede), Xandra and Michelle Velzeboer (short track, Culemborg), Teun Boer (short track, Nijmegen), Sebastian Deniz (speed skating, Eibergen), and snowboarders Romy van Vreden (Arnhem) and Melissa Peperkamp (Zelhem), who live in Gelderland, will compete.
Kimberly Bos carries the Dutch flag
Skeleton athlete Kimberly Bos from Ede has been among the world’s best for years. This year she has a special role: she will carry the Dutch flag during the opening ceremony. Kimberly has long been supported by our implementing organization Topsport Gelderland. Topsport Gelderland supports talented athletes in our province with guidance, advice, and a strong network so they can develop optimally towards the (inter)national top. Kimberly Bos is, for example, part of the Talents2 program. Companies can join to financially support talents and help realize their Olympic dreams.
Athletes from Gelderland on ice and snow
Besides flag bearer Kimberly Bos, six other athletes from Gelderland will compete at the Winter Olympics:
- Xandra Velzeboer from Culemborg is multiple European and world champion in short track.
- Her sister Michelle Velzeboer, also from Culemborg, is an emerging talent within TeamNL and will also compete in short track events.
- Teun Boer from Nijmegen makes his Olympic debut in short track.
- Sebastian Deniz from Eibergen competes in long track speed skating. He belongs to the new generation of skating talents and qualified for the Olympics for the first time thanks to a strong qualification tournament.
- Romy van Vreden, who lives and trains at the Papendal Arnhem top sports center, competes in freestyle snowboarding events.
- Melissa Peperkamp from Zelhem is part of TeamNL’s core and is a well-known name in the international snowboarding circuit.
Following: Paralympic Winter Games
After the Olympics, from March 6 to 15, 2026, the Paralympic Winter Games will take place. Two para-athletes from Gelderland will participate. Niels de Langen from Heteren is among the world’s best in para-skiing and has previously won several medals at international tournaments. Claire Petit lives and trains, like Niels, at Papendal Arnhem and also competes for ski medals. Both athletes are supported by Topsport Gelderland, which is committed to equal opportunities and optimal guidance for para-athletes.
The role of Province Gelderland and Topsport Gelderland
We have invested for years in a strong sports environment. Through Topsport Gelderland, we support talented athletes with guidance, educational coordination, lifestyle coaching, and a network of experts. This way, athletes can develop in their own region, close to their club, school, and family.