After a challenging week, Bart Hoolwerf used his frustration as motivation to deliver a strong sprint performance, while Bart Swings expressed relief at returning to top form following knee injury recovery.
Schaatsen.nl, Netherlands
Bart Hoolwerf, reflecting on a difficult period, found renewed determination in a recent race where he showcased his sprinting abilities after a year focused on other aspects. His teammate Louis Hollaar encouraged him to push fully in the final sprint, providing Hoolwerf with a welcomed opportunity to prove himself. Despite some mistakes in the final bend that prevented him from catching the leading sprinter, Hoolwerf was pleased to demonstrate his competitiveness and to make his presence felt ahead of the upcoming Olympic Games.
Looking ahead, Hoolwerf plans to participate in several marathon events at Weissensee at the end of the month before competing in the last World Cup event in Inzell, which may be his final international appearance for the time being. He indicated a shift in focus towards marathon skating with his team, a discipline where he first found joy in skating and which he plans to prioritize over mass start events next year.
Meanwhile, Bart Swings shared his relief at overcoming a persistent knee injury that troubled him throughout 2025. He expressed satisfaction in returning to winning form and acknowledged that while his top speed could improve further, progress is ongoing with planned fine-tuning in the coming weeks. Swings has rejoined his Dutch teammates from Team IKO-X2O, who have pursued a different path in recent weeks, including their performance at the Olympic qualification tournament.
Swings commented on the challenges faced by his teammates, noting the disappointment over Joy Beune not securing an Olympic spot in the 1500 meters but also highlighting the emergence of Stijn van de Bunt and the continued speed of Sebas Diniz. Observing the strong performances within his team, Swings is optimistic about their prospects as they prepare for upcoming competitions in Milan.
