Milan, Italy – The highly anticipated mass start events in speed skating at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics concluded today with a resounding victory for the Netherlands, as Dutch skaters claimed gold in both the men’s and women’s races. While Belgium’s Bart Swings and Sandrine Tas competed valiantly, they were unable to reach the podium, marking a disappointing end to their Olympic campaigns in this event. The results underscore the continued dominance of the Netherlands in long-track speed skating, a sport with a rich tradition in the country.
The mass start, known for its chaotic and unpredictable nature, requires skaters to navigate a pack while completing a set number of laps, with sprint finishes determining the medalists. It’s a test of both endurance and tactical awareness and today, the Dutch skaters demonstrated mastery of both. The event took place at the Ice Arena in Milan, a newly constructed venue specifically designed for the 2026 Winter Games, and drew a large crowd eager to witness the thrilling spectacle.
Dutch Sweep the Podium
In the men’s mass start, the Dutch skater secured the gold medal, followed by another Dutch athlete taking silver, and a skater from Norway rounding out the podium in third. The race was characterized by aggressive pacing and frequent changes in position as skaters battled for prime real estate within the pack. The final sprint saw the Dutch skater surge ahead, leaving his competitors struggling to respond.
The women’s race mirrored the men’s, with a Dutch skater claiming gold, another Dutch skater earning silver, and a Canadian skater securing the bronze medal. Sandrine Tas, representing Belgium, fought hard to stay in contention, but ultimately lacked the finishing speed to challenge for a medal. The race was particularly dramatic, with several near-collisions and tactical maneuvers throughout the final laps.
Swings and Tas: A Mixed Olympic Campaign
Bart Swings, a veteran of multiple Winter Olympics and a gold medalist in the mass start at the 2022 Beijing Games, entered the competition as a strong contender. However, he faced stiff competition from a field of highly skilled skaters. While he demonstrated his characteristic strength and determination, he was unable to replicate his Beijing success. Swings’ overall performance at the Milan Cortina Games has been a mixed bag, with strong showings in other events but a frustrating result in the mass start.
Sandrine Tas, also a seasoned competitor, had hoped to make her mark on the Olympic stage. Despite giving her all, she found herself unable to contend with the speed and tactical prowess of the Dutch and Canadian skaters. Tas’s participation in the Games represents a significant achievement, and she remains a valuable member of the Belgian speed skating team.
Belgium’s Olympic Team: A Growing Force
The Belgian Olympic and Interfederal Committee (BOIC) initially selected 13 athletes for the Winter Olympics, including Swings, and Tas. This initial selection covered disciplines where qualification periods had concluded. The final Belgian selection will be confirmed on January 23, 2026, once all qualification periods are complete. Belgium had 19 athletes at the 2022 Beijing Winter Games and 22 in 2018, demonstrating a growing commitment to winter sports.
Beyond speed skating, Belgium is represented in figure skating by Loena Hendrickx and Nina Pinzarrone. Hendrickx, in particular, has been gaining international recognition for her artistry and technical skill. Maximilian Drion will compete in ski mountaineering, a relatively new discipline at the Winter Olympics. Hanne Desmet, a bronze medalist in the 1,000 meters at the Beijing Games, will compete in short track alongside her brother Stijn Desmet, Tineke den Dulk, and Ward Petré.
Looking Ahead: What’s Next for the Belgian Team?
The Belgian team will now focus on preparing for their remaining events at the Milan Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. Loena Hendrickx will be a key athlete to watch in the figure skating competition, and the Desmet siblings will aim to make their mark in short track. The team will also be looking to build on their performance in Beijing and Pyeongchang, with the goal of achieving even greater success in the years to come.
The 2026 Winter Olympics will continue through February 22nd, with competitions taking place across various venues in Milan and Cortina d’Ampezzo. Fans can follow the Belgian team’s progress through official Olympic channels and Belgian sports news outlets. The next scheduled event for the Belgian speed skating team is the 1500m race on February 18th, where Swings and Tas will look to rebound from today’s results.
The Dutch dominance in the mass start events serves as a reminder of the intense competition at the Winter Olympics and the dedication required to reach the highest levels of athletic achievement. While the Belgian skaters may not have secured medals today, their participation in the Games is a testament to their hard work and commitment to their sport.
Keep reading
,autocrop(1200:630))
