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Countdown to Vancouver: Wim De Deyne
It has been a strange season for Belgian short track speed skater Wim De Deyne. He was crowned European Champion in the 1000m, but only after fighting back from a serious injury that was the result of a crash at the first World Cup of the season. Also, he skated two (unrecognized) world records, but had to deal with sickness at the World Championships shortly after. All in all, it was a season of ups and downs, that in his own opinion nevertheless was a good test case for the upcoming Olympic season.
By Jolanda Abbes
How do you look back on this past season? Are you happy in terms of your goals and expectations?
“Well, I had a season with a lot of ups and downs, dealing with injuries. I was doing so great in the preparation for the World Cups and my expectations were high. But then came the crash in Salt Lake City and that screwed up my season, so out the window with my expectations. But after I was recovered from my injury, I unexpectedly did great at the European Championships and even won the 1000m! Then I went back to Calgary, where I made another dream come true: I skated a sub 41 second time in the 500m. I was ready to go to the World Championships, but the day before I got sick. So I could not skate a decent Worlds, so I was disappointed once again. So all in all it was a mixed season for me, lots of ups and downs. But I am still happy with how my season turned out!”
Would you consider this season to be a good test case for next season, the Olympic season?
“I think it sure was. It gave me time to adjust some things in training. What to work on. But the season proved to me that a lot of things are already working ok. That I am on the right track to be good once more at the Olympic Games.”
How do you look forward to the upcoming season and Vancouver 2010 in particular?
“I will be in Calgary for the entire season, so that should be interesting. This is the place where there are some good sprinters and to train with them should give me another boost. So I hope to have my best Games ever. That is the main goal of this season.”
How do you look back on the 2006 Olympics?
“I was skating ok, but not feeling all that comfortable on the ice. I made it to the quarter finals, winning my heat. But in my quarter I had Apolo and Tremblay. Tough race. Tremblay started in front, I was second. But Apolo passed me and I was stuck there. They finished first and second in the final. I was 8th in the 500m (7th at the Salt Lake City Games). I only skated the 500m and the 1500m. I got disqualified in the 1500m heat. So I was not too happy with how it all turned out at the Games. But still an 8th place.”
What would you consider to be the highlight of the last Olympics?
“I think the way the Koreans swept the medals was impressive. They were so strong there. Amazing!”
And what was the biggest disappointment for you at the last Olympics?
“Getting disqualified in the 1500m heat. It should not have happened, I made a stupid mistake.”
Who would you consider to be the greatest Olympic speed skater ever?
“I think Kim Dong Sung was a great skater, the way he won the Worlds in 2002 was awesome. He was so strong, winning the 1500m by lapping everyone. I’ve never seen that since then in a 1500m final.”
Who would you consider to be your most important competitors for Vancouver 2010?
“Well I believe the Canadians have a good chance to get the gold in the 500m. They are always strong in the 500m no matter who starts for them. Hamelin for sure after winning the 500m at Worlds. Always strong.”
Can you describe what the Olympics mean to you?
“That’s hard to say. I think the first one, Salt Lake City, was the special one. It was a great experience and I skated so well there. Then I got disappointed in Torino... And now I’m older, I did not think at all that I would even go to another one after my Torino experience. With age I also started to calm down. Taking it as it comes, doing the best I can for my last season. Last season taught me there are always factors you can’t control. I am happy to make it to my third Games, not too many people can say that in Belgium. And making the top 8 twice!”
Photo credits: Photos 1 - 4: Alison Gilkes Alison Gilkes is a member of the Sports Journalist Association of Great Britain and the International Sports Press Association. Alison is a specialist short track photographer who has covered international competitions across Europe since 2000. Her mission is to make the best possible photographs of these amazing athletes to widen appreciation of this relatively unknown sport. Alison was recently granted a full photo accreditation for the Vancouver 2010 Olympics and is currently taking orders from national federations for picture packages from the short track and long track events. If your national team wants to secure the best photographs at favourable rates please get in touch now and make an advance booking.
