The 31-year-old Koen Verweij from Koedijk is definitely putting an end to his skating career. That’s what he tells De Telegraaf. Medical examinations would have shown that Verweij’s body can no longer handle sports.
His back in particular is a weak spot. “I’m also not someone who just goes in for bacon and beans because I like to drive in circles. When I start, I want to compete for medals and preferably break boundaries. Now that that is no longer possible, there remains for me one option left: stop,” he tells in an interview to The Telegraph.
Not in top shape
Verweij has been struggling with an injury for some time. That’s how he told earlier this year to NH Sport, when his ex-girlfriend Jutta Leerdam won silver at the Olympics, not being in top shape. Verweij failed to qualify for the Olympic Qualifying Tournament. “I know what I can do when I’m fit. If I don’t have an injury, I just compete for the medals and I’m there too. I dare say that.”
At the end of 2020, Verweij showed in an interview with NH Sports know to have contracted a hernia in August. After a strong NK all-round, where he finished fifth despite back problems, he let it be known that he was ready for rest.