Suzanne Schulting has convincingly started the Olympic short track tournament. The Dutch, favorite for gold at several distances, reached the quarter-finals in the 500 meters. In the fourth heat at the Capital Indoor Stadium, Schulting finished first in an Olympic record by skating away from everyone immediately after the start. Canada’s Alyson Charles finished second.
Four years ago, Schulting slipped in the 500-meter series at the Pyeonchang Games. She later won gold in the 1000 meters in South Korea.
Selma Poutsma also made it to the quarterfinals. She won the first heat, ahead of Canadian Florence Brunelle.
The numbers 1 and 2 of all heats qualified for the next round, as did the four fastest numbers 3. The quarter-finals, semi-finals and final of the 500 meters for women are on the program on Monday.