Belgian speed skater Sandrine Tas is preparing for the World Sprint and Allround Championships in Heerenveen, marking what could be the final event of her skating season and possibly her career.
Sporza, a Belgian news outlet, reports on Tas’s upcoming participation in the competition this weekend at Thialf ice rink.
Tas plans to enjoy her races during the World Championships after narrowly missing a medal at the recent Winter Games, where she finished just 13 hundredths of a second outside the podium. Although the Winter Olympics represented a high point, her season continued with training and preparation for the events in Heerenveen.
She acknowledged that preparing fully for the 500-meter event in just one week is challenging since her recent training has focused on the 5,000 meters. Nonetheless, Tas aims to perform well across all distances while enjoying the atmosphere of a sold-out Thialf, a venue she considers a second home.
Qualifying for the 5,000-meter race requires a top-eight position, an ambition Tas remains determined to pursue despite the strong competition, particularly from athletes with more sprint experience. She expressed gratitude for the enthusiastic support from the crowd at Thialf, emphasizing how the encouragement adds motivation and makes for a memorable experience.
Reflecting on her career, Tas noted that this championship serves as a meaningful conclusion to her skating season and perhaps her entire career on the ice, as she plans to transition into a cycling role with Lotto – Intermarché Ladies team. She emphasized the importance of following one’s passion in making such career choices.
