Loena Hendrickx: “Fear of failure? You’re always nervous and something can always go wrong. Whenever you win a medal, people expect you to win another one the next time.”
Loena Hendrickx reflects on her silver medal at the European Championships.
original source: Sporza dd. 21st January 2026
Belgian figure skater Loena Hendrickx reflects on her emotional silver medal at the European Championships, discusses handling pressure and expectations, and looks forward to inspiring others at her third Olympic Games. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Sporza.
Last week, Loena Hendrickx (26) left the European Figure Skating Championships with a silver medal. It was a second place with two sides, as Hendrickx was overcome with emotion just before her free skate. “Fear of failure? You’re always nervous and something can always go wrong,” she clarifies a week later.
While there was still some disappointment on Friday evening in Sheffield, today Loena Hendrickx appeared fresh and cheerful at her final press event before the Winter Olympics.
“The emotions have subsided a bit,” she says herself. “I’ve had more time to reflect on the European Championships, and of course now I’m super proud. Silver is still amazing, especially considering where I’ve come from. I have to be proud.”
Hendrickx had to make up for a somewhat weaker short program in the free skate, but just before her final, she seemed to freeze. Afterwards, there was talk of performance anxiety.
“Oh, you’re always nervous and something can always go wrong. It’s just a snapshot in time, and that’s what makes our sport exciting,” she now laughs off the mental concerns.
However, Hendrickx does not deny that the pressure is increasing. “Whenever you win a medal, people expect you to win another one the next time. That continues, and that’s actually very nice. I feel the support of so many people, and that makes it bearable.”
The press event with Hendrickx was introduced by a mini-documentary. It almost seemed like a farewell video. Or not?
“No, I don’t think so yet,” Hendrickx smiles. “It’s just really nice to have my career followed a bit and to inspire younger generations.”
Hendrickx will try to do just that next month at her third Olympics. “As little Loena, I never thought I’d go to the Olympics three times.”
“I’ll skip the opening ceremony and travel on February 14. I’m really looking forward to it. I want to enjoy everything, even the things off the ice.”
What can be expected on the ice? “I think the level at the Olympics will be very high. The European level is okay, but the world level is much higher.”
“What is the very best version of myself worth? That’s hard to estimate. It’s always a snapshot. But I’m aiming for an Olympic diploma, and that’s what I want to achieve. Then I’ll be satisfied.”
Related topics: European Championships, Loena Hendrickx, Olympic Games
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