French President Emmanuel Macron has decided to host the speed skating competitions of the 2030 Winter Olympics outside of France, which has sparked a strong backlash from leading speed skaters. The announcement, which suggests that the events will take place in either Heerenveen, Netherlands, or Turin, Italy, has been met with unanimous disapproval from medal winners in the sport. Many athletes feel that being unable to compete on home turf diminishes the significance of the events, making it feel like 'just another race.'

In interviews, athletes like Czech Republic's silver medalist Metodej Jilek expressed their disappointment, stating that competing in a foreign location would strip the competition of its uniqueness and the home support that often plays a vital role in athletes’ performances. The decision not to include France as the host for these prestigious competitions raises questions about the French government's support for winter sports and its commitment to providing an environment conducive to hosting diverse Olympic events.

This controversy has implications not just for speed skating in France but also for the perception of how seriously the country is approaching the 2030 Winter Olympics. With athletes publicly voicing their discontent, there may be pressures on the government and organizing committee to reconsider this plan or to offer better support to winter sports overall in the lead-up to the competition.