Melissa Wijfje is a prominent Dutch speed skater who, after retiring from her athletic career in March 2026, has begun her new professional journey. In this interview, Melissa reflects on her experience in sports and her transition into professional life
After a distinguished athletic career, Melissa Wijfje currently works at Johan Cruyff Institute as Partnerships & Cruyff Education Hub Heerenveen Coordinator, and at Johan Cruyff Academy Groningen as a Project Coordinator.
During her sports career, Melissa achieved several major milestones. She became a two-time European champion in team pursuit and, in 2020, was crowned Dutch national champion in the 1500 meters. At the 2024/2025 World Cup Qualification Tournament, Melissa, together with Marijke Groenewoud and Elisa Dul, became Dutch champions in team pursuit. Alongside her athletic career, she graduated in Sport Marketing, a specialization within the Commercial Economics degree, at Johan Cruyff Academy Groningen.
At the age of 30, Melissa recently announced her retirement from elite sport. In her new professional role, she works from the Cruyff Education Hub in Heerenveen, where she serves as Partnerships & Coordinator for Johan Cruyff Institute and as Project Coordinator at Johan Cruyff Academy Groningen, supporting other athletes in their academic development: “As an athlete, I learned to adapt and continuously improve, and I think I can apply that at Cruyff Education Hub, which can be seen a bit like a startup,” she explains.
In this interview, Melissa reflects on her athletic career, her transition into a new professional life, and her new role at Cruyff Education Hub in Heerenveen.
When you look back on your speed skating career, which moments stand out the most?
There are a few moments that really stayed with me. Of course, the major competitions and results stand out, especially my national title in 2020 in the 1500 meters. That one was particularly memorable because Thialf was packed, and we were honored in the middle of the crowd; with the lighting and the whole atmosphere, it truly became a magical place.
But my World Cup win that same year in the mass start was also very special. What also stays with you are the travels, the people you meet, and the conversations you have. When you feel in control on the ice and are competing for medals, that’s a feeling you don’t easily experience in everyday life.
So yes, I think the whole experience, those years in elite sport, was very special.
Throughout her athletic career, Melissa Wijfje has participated in national and international championships (Photo credits: Noel Stave).
How was it for you to combine elite sport with studying at Johan Cruyff Academy?
At times it was tough. Elite sport isn’t just two training sessions a day or a few hours on the ice, it’s there all day, every day: 24/7. It never stops.
So combining both was a challenge, but also very valuable, because you learn to build discipline and structure to complete your coursework.
The personalized support from Johan Cruyff Academy Groningen was very good. I didn’t have many contact moments or many teachers, which meant I didn’t have to constantly re-explain everything. The structure of the program made it possible to compete at the highest level and, in my case, graduate.
“I learned a lot about planning and responsibility. It was also very enriching to meet other athletes from different sports environments, hear their stories, and understand their experiences”.
What did you find most interesting about studying sport marketing?
What you learn in sport marketing and sales is directly applicable to everyday life as a skater. I was able to use what I learned in my social media, in conversations with sponsors, and during contract negotiations.
It was very valuable to apply what I learned directly to my own sports career.
How did you approach the transition from sport to professional life?
I think I’m still in that transition, because I’m still figuring out how to organize everything.
It’s not something that happens overnight. You don’t stop competing and immediately start a “normal” life—it’s not that simple.
“I’m exploring new interests and building experiences outside the skating world. It’s a big change, and my daily structure is completely different”.
I’ve thought a lot about what I want, but it’s still a difficult decision to step away from a sport you’ve practiced with so much passion for so many years.
What did your routine look like as an athlete, and what does it look like now?
As an athlete, I would wake up, go for a run, and then have breakfast. After that, I would do my main training on the ice. Then I’d go home, eat something, take a nap, and return for a second session, usually on the bike, followed by dinner.
When I was studying, I did my coursework in the afternoon or evening. Then I’d sleep and repeat the same routine the next day.
Now it’s completely different. I wake up and, if I have time, go for a run. Then I work on my computer or attend meetings until the end of the day, and see if I have time left to train.
I’m still adjusting, because this situation is entirely new to me. Before, a coach planned your entire day, everything was structured. Now I have to figure that out myself. It’s strange to create your own schedule. I’m someone who wants to do a lot and tends to say yes easily, so I sometimes feel a bit overwhelmed.
My schedule is quite full, so I need to learn how to structure it and find my own rhythm. I’m sure I’ll get there, and I have people around me who are willing to help and think along with me.
What do you enjoy most about your current role at the Cruyff Education Hub in Heerenveen?
Education has always been important to me, and I really enjoyed studying. I’m also passionate about combining studies with elite sport, so this role is very meaningful.
I feel I can add value by helping other athletes find a purpose and understand that it’s truly possible to combine sport and studies. Some programs say it’s possible, but in practice it’s not always easy when you have to travel, train, and manage everything else.
“I want to help them find more opportunities to study and discover something that adds value, not just now, but also after their sports career”.
Which skills from your time as an athlete do you apply in your work today?
It’s still early to say, but skills like discipline, setting goals, committing fully, handling pressure, and working with many different people are already helping me a lot.
As an athlete, I learned to adapt and continuously improve, and I think I can apply that at the Cruyff Education Hub, which is still in a startup phase. We need to be able to adapt quickly when something doesn’t work, or when it works really well.
What advice would you give to athletes thinking about their career after retirement?
I’ve only just retired, so it’s difficult to give definitive advice.
“The most important thing is to be sure you’ve given everything to your sport and feel at peace with your decision”.
Then try to figure out what you want to do and stay true to yourself.
Listen to what you feel, try different things, and keep learning. Being curious and maintaining an open mindset always helps. And trust your instincts.
Cover photo: Wiebe Pekema
