Suzanne Schulting has extended her contract to continue competing in long track speed skating for at least two more years, expressing confidence in her progress and future potential.
Schaatsen.nl, the Dutch skating news outlet, reports on Schulting’s decision to stay in the sport and her recent achievements.
Schulting stated she is pleased to remain with her current team, emphasizing the progress she made in the previous season on the long track. She believes this progress gives her confidence that there is more to achieve. While the details of how she will manage competing in both short track and long track events have yet to be finalized, she and her coaching staff plan to coordinate her schedules to optimize performance.
Two years ago, Schulting joined Team Essent to focus on long track speed skating. She ended the most recent season strongly, notably securing an Olympic start position by finishing second in the 1000 meters at the Olympic qualifying event. At the Winter Olympics in Milan, she competed in both disciplines, placing eighth in the long track 1000 meters and reaching the semifinals in the short track 1500 meters.
Following the Olympics, Schulting won the Dutch Sprint Championships decisively, setting two personal records and winning all four distances. This performance qualified her for the World Sprint Championships in Heerenveen, where she earned her first individual medal on a world stage by winning silver, confirming her rising status in long track speed skating.
Reflecting on her season, Schulting described it as long and challenging but rewarding in the end. She acknowledged initial struggles in competitions but highlighted her strong finish as a significant achievement. Looking ahead, she hopes to maintain consistent performance throughout the upcoming season and continue improving.
Her coach, Ronald Mulder, expressed enthusiasm about extending their partnership. He praised Schulting’s recent feats, including competing in two allround competitions within a week and securing gold and silver medals. He emphasized that her times place her among the world’s top long track skaters and stated his belief that she has not yet reached her full potential. The coaching team is committed to supporting her to become even faster and expects further success if she maintains her current form.
