Dutch speed skater Sebas Deniz is training in Milan ahead of the 500 meter event at the upcoming Winter Olympics.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch news outlet, reports on Deniz’s preparations for the Olympic competition.
At 24 years old, Deniz is impressed by the atmosphere in Milan, noting that the arena is beautifully decorated with Olympic rings, creating a strong sense that the Games are imminent. He expressed excitement about competing on February 14 in the 500 meter race. To maintain peak condition, Deniz is currently engaging in two training sessions daily and plans to reduce his workload during the final week before the event to ensure optimal rest.
Deniz chose to arrive early in Milan to train alongside teammates Stijn van de Bunt, Joy Beune, Bart Swings, and Liiv, creating a cohesive team environment as they prepare for the races. He acknowledged that his current form is not yet at the level he showed during the Olympic Qualification Tournament but remains confident as he continues his training regimen.
After his ice sessions, Deniz returns to the Olympic village, which accommodates riders from Team IKO-X2O, along with physiotherapist Rob Tibben. The village is smaller than the setup in Beijing, which limits the space available to coaching staff. As a result, physiotherapists stay close to the athletes to provide daily treatment, while coaches are less present on site. Martin ten Hove from IKO-X2O mentioned this arrangement, highlighting the practical benefits of having a physio nearby for athlete support.
IKO-X2O benefits from having coach Erik Bouwman integrated with the Belgian team, offering a presence in the village for Bart Swings. Similarly, Chinese athlete Ke Jiaxin, competing for Estonia’s Liiv, is accommodated in the athlete housing, reflecting the collaborative international setup in Milan.
