Joy Beune and Pien Hersman, teammates at Team X2O Bathrooms, said their friendship began in 2023 when Hersman knocked on Beune’s hotel-room door. Although the first conversation was somewhat uncomfortable, Beune immediately felt they would get along well.

The two speed skaters are now close friends and are preparing for the new skating season. The World Cup Qualification Tournament is due to start in about a week, and they hope to begin the season well and travel the world together.