Velzeboer Sisters Absent from Short Track World Tour in Seoul
Xandra Velzeboer rests while Michelle recovers from a fractured fibula injury.
1Velzeboer sisters miss Seoul
Triple Olympic champion Xandra Velzeboer will skip the upcoming World Tour events in Seoul, South Korea. Her sister, Michelle Velzeboer, is also sidelined for the remainder of the year. These absences mark a significant change in the Dutch short track lineup during the current post-Olympic season competitive schedule.
2Injury forces Michelle out
Michelle Velzeboer sustained a fracture in her fibula following a fall in Vancouver two weeks ago. This injury effectively ends her competitive participation for the remainder of the calendar year. Her recovery timeline remains focused on healing the bone before she can return to high-intensity training on the ice.
3Strategic rest for Xandra
Xandra Velzeboer is utilizing a rest period offered by national coach Niels Kerstholt to veteran skaters. This policy allows core team members to skip specific events during the post-Olympic year to manage physical fatigue. She is expected to rejoin the national selection for the upcoming competition scheduled in Beijing.
4Coach prioritizes talent development
Coach Niels Kerstholt is using the World Tour rotation to provide younger athletes with essential experience at the global top level. By allowing established stars to rest, the team creates space for emerging talents. This strategic approach aims to broaden the depth of the Dutch short track skating squad.
5New faces in Asia
Bibi Arts and debutant Birgit Radt will travel to Asia to represent the Netherlands in the women's events. The men's team will also see adjustments, with Leon Visser joining the squad as the fifth rider for the Beijing leg. These changes reflect the team's commitment to developing their broader roster.
6Upcoming tour schedule details
Following the events in Seoul, the short track elite will move to Shanghai for races from November 27 to 29. The tour then continues to Beijing, where competitions are scheduled from December 4 to 6. These back-to-back events in Asia are critical for maintaining momentum throughout the current international skating season.
7Broadcast and viewing information
The World Tour competitions in Seoul are scheduled for Saturday, November 21, and Sunday, November 22. Fans can follow the action via a live stream on the official NOS website and the dedicated mobile application. Broadcast coverage for both competition days is set to begin promptly at 7:00 AM local time.
8Broader team roster changes
The Dutch selection for Seoul includes Selma Poutsma, Zoë Florence Deltrap, Diede van Oorschot, and Kiek Straathof alongside the newcomers. For the Beijing event, Selma Poutsma, Teun Boer, and Melle van 't Wout will be absent. These rotating lineups highlight the team's focus on long-term endurance rather than immediate individual results.
Original article: NOS Sport — Velzeboer Sisters Absent from Short Track World Tour in Seoul