Lindsay van Zundert was one of the last Dutch athletes to leave for Beijing on Wednesday. The Winter Olympics start there on Friday. The figure skater from Etten-Leur is on a special KLM flight with Olympians. Most take something special with them to China.
With 11 Olympic medals, five of which were gold, Ireen Wüst from Goirle is the eye-catcher of the Dutch team. In 2006 she already participated in the winter games. At 35 years old, Wüst knows what it takes to be away from home for three weeks.
“We bought streamers and posters. To brighten up the rooms a bit. To make it more cozy. What’s on those posters? Yes, beautiful men of course,” she recently told Omroep Friesland.
Sports data agency Gracenote does not expect another gold medal for Wüst in Beijing. However, two silver medals are predicted: in the 1500 meters and in the pursuit. In total, the Netherlands would conquer 20 medals, but according to Gracenote not by people from Brabant.
Lindsay van Zundert celebrated her 17th birthday on Tuesday, she is still the youngest of the Dutch delegation. In Beijing she also wants to skate the free freestyle after the short freestyle. For her, it is also important to learn with a view to the next winter games in Milan in four years. What Lindsay hasn’t forgotten is her cuddly mouse. “She has it in her pocket every game because it gives confidence and a feeling of home,” says her mother Chantal.
Lindsay carries the Dutch flag at the opening ceremony on Friday. Chantal van Zundert does not let that moment pass without a sound. “With family, friends and other stakeholders, we will look together how Lindsay is making her dream come true.”
The first Brabander to come into action at the games is Niek van der Velden from Nispen. The 21-year-old snowboarder starts the slopestyle part on Sunday. He is currently 2nd in the World Cup standings. To be able to fully focus, 100 percent certainly had to bring his headphones. “My favorite song is Traffic by Tiësto.”
Four years ago, Van der Velde broke his arm during the last training session of the Olympic Games and was able to forget the games. “My thoughts go back a little bit to then. But it gives me a drive and motivation. It’s time to take revenge.”
The Dutch four-man bobsleigh has a high Brabant quality with Jelen and Franko Franjic from Breda and reserve Stephan Huis in ‘t Veld from Bergen op Zoom. Their goal is a top 10 ranking. Well before the start of the games, the bobbers, like the other Brabant Olympians, already lived in seclusion to prevent corona infections. That is the biggest fear of the athletes.
“I’m definitely not forgetting the alcohol spray for my hands,” says Janko. After which his brother Jelen adds that the mouth caps are absolutely not forgotten. “Because we want to avoid corona infection at all costs. We are almost paranoid.”
Brabant Olympic agenda
snowboard
- Niek van der Velden from Nispen (21)
In action:
- February 6, 05.30 am slopestyle qualification
- February 7, 5 a.m. final slopestyle
- 14 February 06.30 qualifying big air
- 15 February 06.00 h final big air
Long track speed skating
- Ireen Wüst from Goirle (35)
In action:
- February 7, 9.30am 1500m (title defender)
- 12 February 09.00 qualifying team pursuit
- February 15, 7:30 a.m. final team pursuit
- February 17, 9.30 am 1000m
figure skating
- Lindsay van Zundert from Etten-Leur (17)
In action:
- 14 February 11.08 a.m. short freestyle
- February 17 11.08 free freestyle
four man bobsleigh
- Janko Franjic from Breda (27)
- Jelen Franjic from Breda (21)
- Stephan Huis in ‘t Veld (23, reserve)
In action:
- 19 February 02.30h run 1 & 2
- 20 February 02.30h run 3 & 4