Joy Beune expressed admiration for Martina Sablikova’s legacy during the ongoing speed skating competition, while concentrating on her own challenges in the remaining events.
Schaatsen.nl, Netherlands
Joy Beune, the current world champion, paused momentarily from her focus on the second event of the afternoon to join the crowd in applauding Martina Sablikova. Sablikova, a beloved athlete from the Czech Republic nearing 40 years of age, was honored with a lap of recognition. Beune praised Sablikova as a kind person with a significant positive impact on the sport of speed skating, noting that she may not have fully realized her influence. Highlighting Sablikova’s impressive statistics and status as a world record holder, Beune acknowledged her as an important role model for her generation.
Looking ahead, Beune recognized the challenge she faces in closing the gap with leaders such as Wiklund and Takagi, who hold a 1.94-second advantage in the rankings. She admitted that she will need to perform strongly in the 1500-meter race to make up time. Fellow Dutch skater Marijke Groenewoud, currently third in the standings, is slightly more attainable at 0.21 seconds behind. Groenewoud shared that she had considered withdrawing after a disappointing 500-meter race but improved significantly in the three-kilometer event, allowing her to remain competitive.
For Groenewoud, maintaining a podium position will require holding off both Beune and Antoinette Rijpma – de Jong, who is fifth in the standings and close behind. Rijpma – de Jong, the Olympic 1500-meter champion, reflected on her cautious approach in the three-kilometer race, remarking that she was uncertain of her form due to limited racing over that distance this season. Despite this, she performed better than expected and plans to deliver a strong 1500-meter race and an all-out effort in the five-kilometer event. She regards the competition as a significant cap to a long season and remains motivated to achieve a good overall ranking.
