Belgian Olympian Denies Credit Card Theft, Mocks Julia Simon
Belgian Olympian Tineke den Dulk recently celebrated her bronze medal win in mixed relay short-track at the Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, held on February 10. This achievement was part of a team that included athletes Ward Petre, Hanne, and Stijn Desmet.
Controversy and Social Media Post
Before departing Italy, den Dulk took to Instagram to share her joy and posted a photo with her medal. In her caption, she made a pointed remark, stating, “By the way, I have never cheated anyone.” Furthermore, she claimed, “I have never stolen a credit card either,” implying a response to ongoing controversies within the sports community.
Reference to Fellow Athletes
Her comments seem to be directed at two notable athletes. The first is Norwegian biathlete Sturla Holm Laegreid, who publicly confessed to infidelity shortly after winning a bronze medal in the individual event. He expressed remorse for betraying the love of his life, a confession that resonated with many.
- Laegreid’s Medals: 5 total (3 silver, 2 bronze) during the 2026 Olympics.
Secondly, den Dulk’s mention of credit card theft alludes to French biathlete Julia Simon, who was convicted of credit card theft and fraud in October 2025. Simon, a gold medalist in her event, has since sought to distance herself from the scandal, urging the media to “leave her in peace.”
Inspiration from Other Athletes
Den Dulk’s social media post also draws inspiration from other Olympians, such as British cyclist Archie Atkinson and Norwegian swimmer Henrik Christiansen. Christiansen earned the nickname “Muffin Man” at the Paris 2024 Olympics due to his fondness for muffins available at the Olympic Village.
In summary, Tineke den Dulk stands out not only for her recent Olympic success but also for her bold social media messages addressing personal integrity in the competitive world of sports.
