Suzanne Schulting is set to compete in short track speed skating at the Milan Games tonight, concluding a challenging period marked by emotional struggles and adjustments between disciplines.
NOS, published in the Netherlands, reports on Schulting’s return to short track following a difficult transition after competing in long track events.
After a disappointing 1000 meter result on the long track in Milan, Schulting joined the short track team led by Niels Kerstholt. This shift required adaptation for both Schulting and her teammates, as she had spent two years focusing on long track skating with Team Essent. Her brief participation in short track earlier this year, during the Dutch championships in January, secured her spot in the Milan Games. Schulting opted to prioritize long track races initially and delayed her short track training on the Olympic ice until later in the games.
Analyst Jorien ter Mors noted that Schulting appeared unstable at first during her short track training sessions but showed clear technical improvement over the preceding week. Coach Kerstholt also observed daily progress in her confidence and skating form. He emphasized the importance of restoring Schulting’s intrinsic qualities, which requires both trust and comfort in her physical and mental state.
However, the week was emotionally taxing, as reflected in incidents such as Schulting breaking down during training amid uncertainty surrounding her role in the relay events. Former short tracker and teammate Yara van Kerkhof highlighted the stress caused by not being selected to defend her Olympic titles in the relay and the 1000 meter event. Schulting herself expressed frustration at missing the chance to compete in the 1000 meter, calling it “her event,” and acknowledging that skipping the European Championships earlier in the year limited her ability to showcase her readiness.
Observers also noted Schulting’s apparent distance from the team’s social dynamics, with limited interaction during training and celebrations, contrasting with the tight-knit group that had been together for two years. Ter Mors suggested that the division between Schulting’s two years away with another team and the established short track group posed challenges for unity. Kerstholt confirmed it was a difficult time for Schulting but praised her progress and resilience, underscoring that more time would have been ideal for reintegration.
The coach also reflected on the mutual efforts required to integrate Schulting into the close team environment, describing it as a complex issue without easy solutions. The priority, however, remained on performance preparation, including practicing recovery tactics during races. Kerstholt acknowledged her physical strength and signs of improvement.
Ter Mors expressed optimism that Schulting’s ongoing development on the ice could lead to a strong finish in the 1500 meter event, potentially providing a positive conclusion to her unique experience at these games. Van Kerkhof added that qualifying for the final and possibly winning a medal would be a significant morale boost for Schulting, especially following her 2024 ankle injury that once threatened her short track career. Such success would allow her to continue pursuing her athletic goals.
