From the world champions from Japan to the European champions from Italy, the best figure skaters from home and abroad are in Tilburg this weekend. The many fans from Japan, among others, made themselves heard during the Challenge Cup, but it also became an emotional top sporting event. Today it was announced that figure skating icon Joan Haanappel, one of the founders of the cup, has passed away.
The moment news of the death broke, the public was quickly informed. It caused an impressive minute of silence and shocked reactions among many people who knew Joan. A condolence corner was also immediately set up where people could write down their message.
Joan was loved in the figure skating world by young and old. “She previously reached the highest level as a top athlete and competed at the Olympic Games. After that, she fully committed herself to the sport by, among other things, founding the Netherlands Figure Skating Foundation. Many will also know her from television where she gave commentary,” said international referee and jury member Tineke Posno.
“Thanks to Joan, clear steps have been taken.”
She knew Joan for many years and was impressed by her drive. “Her goal was for young figure skaters to develop as best as possible. Thanks to her foundation, clear steps have been taken since 2010. What about Lindsay van Zundert, who went to the Olympic Games. She has made a very important contribution to this. “
“She was also extremely involved with the athletes. When I see how much contact she had with Lindsay, for example, that is special. They were on the phone almost every day. Joan did so much to help the figure skaters as best as possible.”
“We are going to continue the ideas.”
Since the end of 2023, Joan was no longer chairman of the foundation. Mary Dotsch took over the duties and is determined to continue the work. “We are overwhelmed by her death. We will continue Joan’s ideas with everyone involved. She had a heart of gold and was extremely enthusiastic about helping the youth.”