Loena Hendrickx: “I’m incredibly proud of where I stand right now in training – at my absolute highest level. That’s something no one can take away from me. “
Loena Hendrickx eyes Olympic qualification after difficult recovery
original source: Sporza dd. September 16th 2025
Belgian figure skater Loena Hendrickx is making her comeback after ankle surgery and a year away from competition, aiming to secure her spot at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Olympics at this week’s qualifying event in Beijing. Here’s a translation of her coach Ans Bocklandt’s comments posted on Sporza.
After a year off the ice, Loena Hendrickx is back in the spotlight, hoping to capitalize on her final opportunity to qualify for the Winter Olympics at this week’s Olympic qualifying event in China. Hendrickx underwent ankle surgery during her absence and missed her chance to compete at the World Championships last season. Now, as she seeks a return, she says, “I hope all the hard work will pay off.”
Qualifying for the Milan-Cortina Olympics hasn’t been easy for Hendrickx, who has faced a challenging path marred by injuries. “But who better to navigate a slippery road than a figure skater?” she quipped.
Hendrickx did not compete for an entire year and now joins her already-qualified compatriot Nina Pinzarrone in Beijing, needing to secure a top-five finish to book her ticket to Milan. It’s no small feat, as she’ll face stiff competition from the likes of Anastasia Gubanova and Adeliia Petrosian, who is competing under a neutral flag.
Due to her long rehabilitation, Hendrickx remains unsure of her competitive form. Last month, a private test skate assessed her readiness, but insiders noted it was “room for improvement.”
Still, the 25-year-old Belgian remains optimistic and confident that she can make her Olympic dream a reality. “I’m so excited to feel the adrenaline of competition again. Even after all these years, it’s still the most thrilling thing I’ve ever done,” Hendrickx shared.
“I am incredibly proud of where I stand right now in training – at my absolute highest level. That’s something no one can take away from me.”
“I truly hope all the hard work over the past months will pay off. I have complete confidence in that. I’m ready —ready to enjoy doing what I love the most.”
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