Stijn van de Bunt from Lopik is set to compete in the upcoming Winter Olympics after securing two distance victories at the Olympic Qualification Tournament in Thialf, highlighting his potential as a key member of the Dutch speed skating team.
According to AD.nl, the skater demonstrated calmness before and after his wins, though he shared an emotional moment when he saw his parents in the hotel. Van de Bunt, who suffered serious injuries earlier in the year including multiple broken ribs and a back fracture from a cycling accident in Andorra, has shown remarkable recovery and strength.
His contribution is expected not only on individual distances but also in the team pursuit event, where the Dutch team is searching for a reliable last skater. Van de Bunt’s experience from junior competitions and his current training sessions with teammates such as Joy Beune, Bart Swings, and Jesse Speijers indicate his integration into this strategy. He emphasized the importance of passing speed in team pursuit and is training specifically to support Joy Beune, as well as providing support in paired training with Bart Swings.
Van de Bunt expressed optimism about competing on harder ice surfaces expected at the Milan Games, which he believes suit his skating style better than the ice conditions he faced at Thialf. Reflecting on past performances, he noted that he sometimes exerted too much effort early on 5-kilometer races, affecting his results, but he now feels better prepared to manage his pacing.
While he remains focused on upcoming races without making extensive predictions about the Olympics, Van de Bunt has set his sights on performing well at the World Allround Championships. He aims to leverage his personal best time in the 1500 meters to secure a strong overall standing. His objective is to approach competitions step by step, maintaining steady progress toward his long-term goals.
