National coach Niels Kerstholt has included Sjinkie Knegt in the selection for the World Short Track Speed Skating Championships in Seoul in March on Monday. Earlier this month, the 33-year-old Frisian received an official warning from the KNSB skating union following his statements about Kerstholt.
Knegt comes into action at the World Cup, at no less than three distances: the 1,000 and 1,500 meters and the relay. The World Cup will be held in the South Korean capital from March 10 to 12.
At the beginning of this month, the four-time Olympian lashed out at the union and the national coach. “When the season is over, I hope we get rid of the mess soon. I’m just doing my own thing outside the schedule now,” said Knegt, who caused a row.
A conversation followed between Knegt and director Remy de Wit and discipline manager Wilf O’Reilly. The outcome was last Thursday that Knegt will continue to be part of the national selection. “The noses are pointing in the same direction again,” said De Wit. It is therefore no surprise that Knegt has been included in the World Cup squad.
Van ‘t Wout drives four distances
Jens van ‘t Wout has been selected for four parts: the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters and the relay. On the 500 meters he is joined by Itzhak de Laat and Teun Boer, who will also ride the relay. In addition to Van ‘t Wout and Knegt, De Laat was also designated in the 1,000 meters. Friso Emons only competes individually in the 1,500 meters.
Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer and Selma Poutsma compete in all individual distances for the women: the 500, 1,000 and 1,500 meters. They are also part of the relay team with Yara van Kerkhof and Michelle Velzeboer.
WK-selectie mannen
- 500 meter: Jens van ’t Wout, Itzhak de Laat, Teun Boer.
- 1.000 meter: Jens van ’t Wout, Sjinkie Knegt, Itzhak de Laat.
- 1.500 meter: Jens van ’t Wout, Sjinkie Knegt, Friso Emons.
- Relayteam: Jens van ’t Wout, Itzhak de Laat, Friso Emons, Sjinkie Knegt, Teun Boer.
WK-selectie vrouwen
- 500 meter: Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer, Selma Poutsma.
- 1.000 meter: Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer, Selma Poutsma.
- 1.500 meter: Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer, Selma Poutsma.
- Relayteam: Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer, Yara van Kerkhof, Selma Poutsma, Michelle Velzeboer.
