After finishing third at the Dutch National Allround Championships, Remo Slotegraaf has regained his enthusiasm for skating and is focused on the future.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch skating news outlet, reports on Slotegraaf’s refreshed approach to the sport after a challenging period.
Slotegraaf reflected on a turning point late last year following a disappointing Olympic Qualification Tournament. He realized that continuing to be frustrated and unhappy after skating was counterproductive. Instead, he decided to focus on enjoying the sport again. He recognized that his body needed time to adapt to heavier training loads, which contributed to improved performances and greater enjoyment.
Aside from skating, Slotegraaf has restructured his life by pursuing a commercial economics degree that includes an internship at FietsForensen, a company that helps implement cycling plans at workplaces. This engagement provided an important distraction during his difficult times, giving him other fulfilling activities to focus on. The balance between study, work, and sport has brought mental calmness and helped him maximize his skating potential.
His third-place finish at the NK Allround validates his progress and positive mindset. In the days following the championships, attendance to the demanding World Cup schedule at Thialf has allowed him to support teammate Marcel Bosker, the reigning Dutch champion and World Championship participant. Slotegraaf notes that beyond this support role, his attention is forward-looking. He aims to improve in the next season, confident that the problems he experienced in 2025, including periods where he could not train fully, are behind him. With a better training foundation expected in the summer, he is optimistic about upcoming seasons. The bronze medal, his first at the senior level, motivates him toward future achievements. While the expiration of his team contract caused some concern, his recent success has reassured him about his prospects.
