Dutch Speed Skating Legend Marianne Timmer Details Disturbing Security Encounter at 2026 Winter Olympics
Three-time Olympic gold medalist Marianne Timmer has revealed a distressing incident that occurred during the 2026 Winter Olympics, where she was physically pushed against a wall by a member of rapper Snoop Dogg's security team. The decorated Dutch speed skater was working as a commentator at the men's 1,000 meter speed skating race on Wednesday, February 12, when the confrontation took place.
The Incident in the Wide Hallway
In an exclusive interview with Sportnieuws, Timmer described the moment that left her upset and frustrated. She explained that she was standing near a wall in what she described as "a really wide hall" when security personnel moved through the area to clear space for Snoop Dogg, who was attending the event to support Team USA.
"One of the security guards pushed me even closer to the wall," Timmer recounted. "I said, 'Just act normal.'"
The situation escalated when the guard returned moments later. "The guy came back, and I said, 'What? Do I have to go through that wall or something?'" she shared. According to Timmer, the guard then "started acting all up against me," creating an intimidating atmosphere despite her legitimate presence at the venue.
Timmer's Professional Purpose at the Event
Timmer emphasized that she was not at the venue to see the famous rapper, but rather to perform her professional duties. "I'm not here waiting for Snoop Dogg, I'm waiting for Jennings de Boo. We want to see Joep Wennemars. We want to talk to Kjeld Nuis for a moment," she explained, referring to Dutch skaters she needed to interview after the race.
The former Olympic champion also witnessed another concerning incident involving security personnel. "We saw a Dutchman being roughly led away by some very large security guards in the stands," she described. "I could just picture myself being grabbed by the neck and thrown out. That would have been a great story."
Marianne Timmer's Illustrious Career
Marianne Timmer, born on October 13, 1974, in Sappemeer, Netherlands, stands as one of the most successful Dutch speed skaters in history. Her Olympic achievements are particularly remarkable:
- Won bronze at the 1994 World Championships
- Captured gold in both the 1,000 and 1,500 meters at the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano
- Set a world record in the 1,500 meters during those Nagano Games
- Secured another gold medal in the 1,000 meters at the 2006 Winter Olympics in Turin
With her 2006 victory, Timmer became the first Dutch speed skater to win gold at two different Winter Olympic Games. Her career concluded in December 2010 following a heel injury sustained during a 2009 World Cup event in Thialf, as reported by NOS.
Snoop Dogg's Presence at the Olympics
Snoop Dogg attended the speed skating event as a supporter of Team USA, following his appointment in 2025 as Team USA's first honorary coach. The rapper's high-profile status necessitated significant security measures, which unfortunately led to the confrontation with Timmer, who was simply trying to do her job covering the competition.
This incident highlights the challenges that can arise when celebrity entourages intersect with working journalists and former athletes at major sporting events, even in spaces designed to accommodate large crowds.
