“As a top athlete, it was tough to sit out and miss the chance to secure an Olympic spot at Worlds. But I’m glad I made the decision to undergo surgery. Otherwise, I’d still be stuck with fears and unable to take a step forward.”
Loena Hendrickx reflects on her recovery and prepares for Olympic qualification.
original source: Sporza dd. July 2d 2025
Belgian figure skater Loena Hendrickx, the 2024 European champion, has successfully undergone rehabilitation following ankle surgery and is now preparing for a critical Olympic qualification event this fall. In a candid update, Hendrickx shared her recovery journey, thoughts on her return to competition, and her goals for the upcoming season. Here’s a translation of her coach Ans Bocklandt’s comments posted on Sporza.
A fresh start after surgery
This past winter, Hendrickx decided to undergo surgery to address a persistent ankle injury that had impacted her performances. Reflecting on the experience, she expressed relief at her decision: “I’m so glad I made this choice. Otherwise, I’d still be haunted by fears and unable to move forward. Now, I can do everything I want without limitations.”
Hendrickx, who underwent surgery just over four months ago, recalled the challenges she faced due to her injury: “Simple movements like kneeling became impossible. But now, my ankle feels incredibly strong. I can execute my jumps again, although there’s still one jump I need to overcome mentally – it’s the one that caused me the most pain in the past.”
To address this mental hurdle, Hendrickx is working closely with a mental coach: “It’s like putting a puzzle together, and it will be quite a challenge. But I’m optimistic and ready to tackle it.”
Hendrickx has been back on the ice for some time, but even with her extensive experience, the return wasn’t easy: “The first time I skated again, it was only for five minutes. It felt really strange,” she admitted. “At first, I didn’t dare to push hard, but I quickly realized that I could regain my level. It was such a relief to know there’s a real chance I can compete at a high level again.”
The road to Olympic qualification
From September 17–21, Hendrickx will compete for one of the five remaining spots at the 2026 Winter Olympics during the qualification competiiton in Beijing.
Hendrickx admitted she hasn’t fully processed how limited the number of spots is: “I haven’t really thought about the fact that there are only five tickets available. I’m staying positive but aware of how essential the preparation process will be.”
She approaches the situation step by step: “If I can reach my top form by September, I won’t have to worry about the rest of the season. The pressure is off my shoulders, and I’m excited to move forward.”
Despite her optimism, Hendrickx’s participation in the qualification event itself isn’t guaranteed yet. Her brother and coach, Jorik Hendrickx, explained: “The selection criteria haven’t been announced yet – it depends on the federation. This is where things get tricky, as we have both a Flemish and a Belgian federation. While the people working for Sport Vlaanderen operate on a Flemish level, the selections are made at the Belgian level.”
Amidst this uncertainty, Jorik remains focused:
“We’re concentrating on the athletic side of things. If we can bring Loena’s level back to what it was during competitions, then it’s achievable. We’ll just see how the next few weeks unfold, but we have to believe in it.”
Despite the challenges, Jorik notes that Loena is in a much better place mentally: “She’s enjoying skating so much more now. It’s understandable – her ankle was holding her back before, and she thought it was her fault. But now, she’s positive and ready to move forward, both toward the qualification competition and the season ahead. Success doesn’t hinge on just one competition.”
“Loena is already well-prepared, but now we need to focus on polishing her programs and reintegrating her jumps. This part is intense – it’s like fitting puzzle pieces together to achieve optimal performance,” Jorik explained.
For Hendrickx, the September event represents a major shift in the typical skating calendar, where the peak season usually falls between January and March. “It’s very early in the season, which is something I’m not used to. I’ll need to approach summer training differently, but I’m mentally recharged and ready for the challenge,” she told.
Reflecting on her journey, Loena feels content with her choice to prioritize her physical health.
“As a top athlete, it was tough to sit out and miss the chance to secure an Olympic spot at Worlds – that really stung. I wanted to be there, fighting for myself. But I’m glad I made the decision to undergo surgery. Otherwise, I’d still be stuck with fears and unable to take a step forward.”
Related topics: Jorik Hendrickx, Loena Hendrickx
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