No first European title for Hanne and Stijn Desmet in the 1,500 meters short track. Brother and sister both fell in the final and missed the expected medal. Later in the afternoon they can take revenge in the 500 meters, but these incidents have a bitter taste.
What a downer. Hanne Desmet qualified with ease on Saturday for the 1,500 meters final, her favorite event, at the European Short Track Championships in Gdansk. Everything went according to plan in that final. Desmet had just moved into first position, ready for the final acceleration, when she crashed in a corner with two laps to go. She brought Dutch competitor Xandra Velzeboer with her in her downfall. Much to her surprise, the gold was awarded to the Italian Elisa Confortola, the international sub-topper. Silver also for Italy: Gloria Ioriatti came second. This incident will stick with Desmet for a while. She is by far the best European over 1,500 meters this season. Last year she took silver in this part.
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Stijn Desmet also falls
Last year, brother and sister Desmet copied each other. Both won gold in the 1,000 meters and silver in the 1,500 meters. And this year too, Stijn unfortunately followed the example of his older sister Hanne. In his 1,500 meters final, Stijn Desmet fell quickly, even though he appeared to have received a blow from a Dutchman. Italy also won the men’s gold medal in the 1,500 metres. Pietro Sighel crossed the finish line with the tip of his skate just before two Dutchmen.
Later in the afternoon the Desmets have another chance for revenge in the 500 meters, but at this distance they are rather outsiders.
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500 meters then?
However, Hanne and Stijn Desmet didn’t have time to dwell on this problem for long. Because qualifying for the 500 meters followed quite quickly. In the quarterfinals Hanne Desmet won easily. If they reach the 500m final, Hanne Desmet will take to the ice at 4.17pm and Stijn Desmet at 4.28pm.
Stijn Desmet — © Getty Images
2024-01-13 12:55:59
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