Winter Olympic gold medallist Nils van der Poel accuses Netherlands of ‘corruption’ over Beijing 2022 ice

Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics gold medallist Nils van der Poel has accused the Netherlands speed skating program of “corruption” over a report that its officials try to influence the ice makers to set up conditions that benefit Dutch athletes.

Van der Poel made his scathing comments during a news conference on Wednesday at the Olympic Village, three days after his victory in the 5000m gave Sweden its first speedskating medal since 1988.

“This isn’t my idea of fair play,” van der Poel said.

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“The Olympics is higher, stronger, faster. This is corruption. This is trying to alter the field of play in your favour by using unethical and immoral means.”

Van der Poel said he had read an article on a Dutch website that suggested the world’s strongest team is using a scientist to try to make sure the Ice Ribbon oval is set up to its advantage.

While saying he has confidence in Mark Messer, who oversees the ice, van der Poel said the Dutch program deserved to be punished if the report is true.

“This is the biggest scandal in our sport,” he said.

“We have doping cases in our sport every now and then. I do not see how this is any less serious.”

Dutch technical director Maurits Hendriks reportedly called van der Poel’s comments “unworthy of an Olympic champion”.

“Measuring the ice temperature has been going on for 20 years,” Hendriks said in Dutch media.

“And anyone who comes to the skating rink more often sees that all countries have contact with the ice master.”

The Netherlands has won three of the first four events at the Ice Ribbon and claimed a total of six medals - matching the combined total of every other country.

The country also dominated