Who would think that Dutch short track ace Susanna Schulting has only turned 20 today? The organizing committee has greeted the birthday-girl with a chocolate cake after her training today, playing the forever hit song of The Art Company, Susanna – just to bring back the good memories of the world championships in Rotterdam last march where home audience was applauding her clapping the rhythm of this soundtrack. Suzanne, carzy loving you!
How did you become a short track skater?
I started with long track but I had to practice more the corners and improve my technique, that’s why I started to do short track. In the last 4-5 years short track has been growing in the Netherlands, we are getting medals which contribute to its popularity. Even older people now have an idea about Short Track compared to 10 years ago, but it’s not as popular as Long Track which has more history in our country. I started as a Long Track speed skater, I consider myself still a Long Track speed skater, but at the moment Short Track is my main event.
What do you expect from yourself at this event?
Hopefully I can skate in the final of all distances and also with the relay; also I want to get some medals. That is my main goal because last year in the World Cup Classification I was first in the 1000m and second in the 1500m overall. It is getting better day by day so I am in a really good shape right now, and ready to compete.
What is your main goal at the Olympics?
My plan is to skate there and see what happens, but I would be satisfied with a medal. If you think that you have a chance to win a medal you have to grab the opportunity and get it because the Olympics is only every 4 years. It doesn’t matter if it’s a relay or an individual race.
Have you been here to Hungary before, and are you satisfied with the circumstances?
Yes, when I was 12 years old, I raced at the Future Champions Trophy but I can only remember that the city is really nice. With the circumstances overall yes, but the most important thing is the ice and it’s really good. It is much better than what we are used to in the Netherlands where we train, so I am really excited to race here.
