Belgian Short Track Faces Mixed Fortunes at Milano Cortina 2026
The Belgian Ice Bears experienced a day of highs and lows at the short track speed skating competition, with Hanne Desmet facing disqualification in the 1000m while her brother, Stijn Desmet, as well encountered penalties. Despite these setbacks, the Belgian team showed resilience in the 5000m relay, though ultimately failing to reach the final.
Hanne Desmet’s Disappointment in the 1000m
Hanne Desmet aimed to demonstrate her world-class ability in the 1000m event. After a dominant performance and fast time in the quarterfinals, she appeared poised for a medal. However, the semifinals proved challenging. She was pushed back to third place by Velzeboer and Kim, and in attempting to regain position, made a misjudgment, colliding with Gilli and resulting in disqualification.
Stijn Desmet’s Struggles on the 500m
Adding to the family’s difficulties, Stijn Desmet received a penalty in the 500m heats, eliminating him from contention on that distance. He expressed surprise at the penalty, believing the contact initiated by another skater should not have resulted in a disqualification.
Relay Effort and Team Perspective
The Belgian Ice Bears (Stijn Desmet, Ward Petré, Adriaan Dewagtere, and Warre Van Damme) competed in the 5000m relay, achieving a third-place finish in their heat but not securing a spot in the final. Ward Petré emphasized the team’s hard work to reach the World Tour and considered a top-8 finish a positive outcome. Warre Van Damme noted the team’s defensive strategy against a dominant Netherlands and acknowledged the competitive field.
The team’s new racing suits, part of the redesigned Short Track World Tour identities, were praised by Warre Noiron as among the best in the field, and Hanne and Stijn Desmet previously noted their appreciation for the new designs.
Looking Ahead: Hanne Desmet’s 1500m Opportunity
Despite the setbacks, Hanne Desmet has another opportunity to compete in the 1500m event. She recently improved her position from silver to gold in the Women’s 1500m at a previous competition, demonstrating her potential for success.
The Rise of Siblings in Short Track
The Desmet siblings exemplify a growing trend in short track speed skating: the emergence of sibling duos as core components of national teams. Their presence highlights the dedication and familial support often found within the sport.
Team Identity and Athlete Feedback
The new team identities and racing suits introduced for the Short Track World Tour have been well-received by athletes. Courtney Sarault of the Canadian Ice Maples praised the designs, while Choi Minjeong of the Korean White Tigers emphasized the motivational power of the team symbols.
FAQ
Q: What happened to Hanne Desmet in the 1000m?
A: She was disqualified after colliding with another skater during the semifinals.
Q: Did Stijn Desmet win any individual medals?
A: No, he received a penalty in the 500m heats and did not advance.
Q: What is the significance of the new team identities?
A: They aim to capture the national symbols and competitive spirit of each country, enhancing team pride and athlete motivation.
Q: What is next for Hanne Desmet?
A: She will compete in the 1500m event.
Did you know? The Korean White Tiger is considered a symbol of bravery, passion, and wisdom in Korean history.
Pro Tip: Staying focused and maintaining composure are crucial in short track, as even minor miscalculations can lead to disqualification.
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