Snoop Dogg’s role as an “honorary coach” at the Winter Olympics has drawn significant attention, but a recent security incident involving a prominent athlete has raised concerns about the atmosphere surrounding the event. Dutch speed skating champion Marianne Timmer reported a tense encounter with members of the rapper’s security team while she was working as a media commentator at the Milano Speed Skating Stadium.
The incident occurred shortly after the women’s 1,000-meter event. Timmer, a three-time Olympic gold medalist, described the situation, stating, “I was standing against a wall, and one of the security guards pushed me even closer.” She emphasized that the area was spacious, approximately four meters wide, and questioned the need for such aggressive behavior. “I said, ‘Just act normal,’” she recalled in an interview with Sportnieuws.
Timmer’s discomfort escalated when the security guards returned and continued to crowd her. She expressed concern for her own safety after witnessing another individual being “roughly escorted” out of the venue. “I could just picture myself being grabbed by the neck and thrown out. That would have been a great story,” she remarked, highlighting the tension of the moment.
Despite the incident, Snoop Dogg, whose real name is Calvin Broadus Jr., has maintained a vibrant presence at the Games. He was appointed by the U.S. Olympic and Paralympic Committee to motivate Team USA athletes with his unique blend of humor and support. In a press release, he stated, “Team USA athletes are the real stars — I’m just here to cheer, uplift and maybe drop a little wisdom from the sidelines.”
Throughout the Winter Olympics, Snoop Dogg has been actively involved, carrying the Olympic flame and participating in various events, including attempting sports like curling. He has also made appearances as a broadcaster for NBC, further enhancing his visibility during the Games.
As of early February 2026, Team USA has secured a total of 13 medals, including four golds, positioning them third overall in the medal standings. The achievements on the ice contrast sharply with Timmer’s account of the encounter, suggesting that while the athletes are performing admirably, the environment surrounding the celebrity coach may not be entirely harmonious.
The incident involving Timmer serves as a reminder of the complexities that can arise in high-pressure environments like the Olympics, where the intersection of celebrity and sport can lead to unexpected challenges. The focus now remains on how these dynamics will unfold as the Games continue.
