Loena Hendrickx: “I had decided beforehand that I would keep smiling, even if I made a mistake. The previous Olympics taught me that first you have to give it your all before you can truly enjoy the moment.”
Loena Hendrickx on her short program at the Olympics.
original source: Sporza dd. 15th February 2026
Belgian figure skater Loena Hendrickx delivered an emotional and gutsy short program at the Winter Olympics, earning her personal best of the season despite battling an ankle injury and a last-minute music change. Here’s a translation of her comments posted on Sporza.
“I had decided beforehand that I would keep smiling, even if I made a mistake. The previous Olympics taught me that first you have to give it your all before you can truly enjoy the moment.”
“A season’s best – that’s what I wanted. I’m incredibly proud. I know it wasn’t perfect, but given the circumstances, I’m super proud,” she said.
The circumstances were far from ideal. Shortly before the Winter Olympics, Hendrickx had to change her music and deal with a lingering ankle injury.
“I came here with no excuses. I knew the preparation wasn’t perfect, but it was my choice to compete. Injuries are part of my journey. I knew that I’d shown good things in training, and I believed that I could do the same in competition.”
“I’ve definitely had moments in training where I had to hold back tears. But I’m here, and I just bit down and pushed through. I’m very proud of my perseverance. I think the adrenaline helped me a lot.”
Looking ahead to her free program, Hendrickx is feeling confident and excited. “I’m really looking forward to it. It’s unique to be here for the third time. I think just being here is something I can already be proud of.”
Related topics: Loena Hendrickx, Olympic Games
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