Ireen Wüst for Dummies

Let me just confess that I'm a bit of a loser when it comes to the Olympics. The atmosphere, the euphoria, the pride; I find it all very enjoyable, but who is who, how the schedule works, and which Dutch athletes are contenders where? I just have no clue. I know the bare essentials. It’s in Pyeongchang (yes, I had to Google to spell this correctly), that’s in South Korea, Sven has gold and Ireen Wüst too. So far my knowledge.

If you find yourself in the same boat as I do and feel quite uncomfortable when everyone around you starts babbling in Pyeongchang jargon: here are 7 facts about Ireen Wüst that will shut everyone up. You can thank me later.

1. The top athlete loves sausage rolls. Your turn.

2. Everyone calls Wüst a ‘real’ Brabander, but both her parents come from Friesland. By the way, a lot of the skater's family still lives there.

3. At the age of 19, Ireen won her first gold medal and 12 years later she is the most successful Dutch Olympian of all time.

4. There was once a little thing between Jan Smit and Ireen. She asked for his number during a broadcast on 538, he sent her a video wishing her success before her race. He called her a ‘really nice girl’ and then there was supposed to be a call to meet face to face. Hmm, interesting.

5. Irene indulges in both worlds. She never made a secret of the fact that she is bisexual , but she has struggled with her sexuality, as became clear from a NOS portrait in 2014. She is now very happy with sprinter Letitia de Jong.

6. Fun fact ever: Ireen is often seen during the Games with red/white/blue painted nails. Who says we Dutch aren't proud?

7. Ireen also found her new love on the ice rink. Besides being lovers, Ireen and Letitia are also rivals. Because Wüst was just a bit faster than her friend, Letitia was not allowed to go to the Games. Quite unfortunate.

So far everything you wanted to know about Ireen. Especially about those sausage rolls. And now that you're in the vibe: we also wrote a Olympics for Dummies. In simple language. Promise.