Marijke Groenewoud is focusing on building confidence ahead of the 1500 meter event despite a difficult start to the season.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch sports news outlet, reported on Groenewoud’s current condition and preparations.
The 1500 meter race reduces the emphasis on time trial performance, and Groenewoud is noted for having strong race skills despite recent challenges. Discussions with her coaching team identified a previous race where she did not secure a win as a key example of her potential. The primary focus now is to support her recovery and reignite her confidence, as she is aware she can deliver competitive times even if she currently does not feel at her best.
Groenewoud herself expressed confidence in her preparation, noting that she recorded her fastest lap of the year in a recent training session. Although she struggles with relaxed skating, she believes this is not critical for the 1500 meter, the team pursuit, or the mass start events. She looks forward to the team pursuit, which is scheduled first and has been progressing well in training, hoping it will boost her confidence further.
If Groenewoud, together with the Dutch team, succeeds in winning both the mass start and the team pursuit, and also secures a medal in the 1500 meter, the difficult start to the season will soon be overshadowed by these accomplishments.
