Xandra Velzeboer Takes Strategic Break from Short Track World Tour
Olympic champion skips Seoul event to manage mental fatigue during post-Olympic season.
1Strategic Season Adjustment
Triple Olympic champion Xandra Velzeboer has decided to skip the upcoming WorldTour event in Seoul. After dominating the 500-meter races in Vancouver and Montréal, the Dutch skater is prioritizing recovery. This decision marks a shift in her intense training cycle, which has been focused on the 2026 Milan Winter Olympics.
2Managing Mental Fatigue
Velzeboer cites the extreme intensity of the previous four years as the primary reason for her current break. The constant pressure of qualifying for major tournaments and refining technical details took a significant mental toll. By easing her schedule now, she aims to maintain long-term performance levels for future international competitions.
3Coach Supports Rest Policy
National coach Niels Kerstholt fully supports the decision, emphasizing the necessity of rest for elite athletes. He allows veteran team members to opt out of specific WorldTour races to recharge their batteries. Kerstholt noted that Velzeboer’s long tenure at the top of the sport justifies this flexible approach to her training.
4Expanded Competition Calendar
The International Skating Union has increased the number of WorldTour events this season, adding to the physical and mental strain on competitors. With seven events scheduled, including stops in Shanghai, Beijing, and Gdansk, the calendar is more demanding than in previous years. Velzeboer remains committed to a full, competitive season.
5Upcoming Major Events
Despite missing the Seoul meet, Velzeboer’s season remains packed with high-stakes challenges. She is scheduled to compete in the European Championships in Dresden this January. Furthermore, she plans to return to South Korea in March 2025, specifically to participate in the World Championships held in the city of Seoul.
6Recent Performance Record
Velzeboer has maintained an exceptional winning streak in the 500-meter distance throughout the current season. Her last defeat in this specific event occurred on March 16, 2024, at the World Championships in Ahoy, where she finished second behind Kim Boutin. Her current form remains the gold standard in international short track.
7Team Roster Updates
The Dutch selection for the Seoul WorldTour event features a mix of talent, including Selma Poutsma, Zoë Florence Deltrap, and Jens van 't Wout. Notably, Michelle Velzeboer will be absent from the lineup. She is currently sidelined due to a fractured fibula sustained during a fall in Vancouver two weeks ago.
8Long-term Athletic Outlook
Velzeboer’s decision highlights the growing importance of athlete welfare in high-performance sports. By balancing intense competition with planned recovery, she hopes to sustain her career beyond the 2026 Milan Games. Her ability to manage her workload reflects a mature approach to the physical and psychological demands of professional speed skating.
Original article: NOS Sport — Xandra Velzeboer Takes Strategic Break from Short Track World Tour