From Muskoka rinks to Olympic glory: van ’t Wout brothers shine for the Netherlands

Photograph: Jens van 't Wout

Two former Muskoka residents, brothers Melle and Jens van ’t Wout, captured international attention at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, bringing home multiple medals competing for the Netherlands in short‑track speed skating.

Jens van ’t Wout was a dominant force, winning gold in the 1,000 m and 1,500 m, adding bronze in the 500 m, and helping the Dutch team secure gold in the men’s 5,000 m relay. His older brother Melle van ’t Wout earned silver in the 500 m, a special achievement on his 26th birthday, and was also part of the relay‑winning team.

Their journey has deep roots in Muskoka. The family lived in Bracebridge during the brothers’ formative years. The family spent about a decade in the community and both brothers played youth sports locally, including hockey with the Bracebridge Bears before focusing on short‑track speed skating.