She is a three-time Belgian all-round champion; she also holds the Belgian records in all distances. At the 2019 European Championships, she took second place in the unofficial 3000m distance. She took silver in the 1000 meters at the 2021 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships. On 11 February 2022, she took a historic bronze medal in the Women’s 1000 meters at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, becoming the first Belgian woman to win a medal at a Winter Olympic Games in an individual event.
In this interview Hanne Desmet, Belgian short track speed skater, talks about her fitness regime, diet, and success story.
Namita Nayyar:
You were born in Wilrijk, but now have been living for the past few years in Heerenveen, Netherlands. Where you are trained on a daily basis with the highly regarded Shorttrack TeamNL. You became a three-time Belgian all-round champion in short track speed skating. This later propelled your career to the height where you have been at the top of the world in short track speed skating. Tell us more about your professional journey of exceptional hard work, tenacity, and endurance?
Hanne Desmet:
I moved to the Netherlands in 2018. I trained with the Dutch national team for 5 years and I’m very grateful for my time there. For one year I’ve been training with the Canadian national team. I gradually developed in the high performing athlete I am now, I’m definitely a late bloomer.
Belgium does not have the infrastructure to perform on the highest level in short track. Therefore I’ve always had to live abroad, but I’m very happy with the unique experiences this gave me. Most countries have a system where young talents are chosen to join the national team and start their careers. I had to find my own unique journey to be successful in short track. I am lucky to share this journey with my brother.
Namita Nayyar:
You on 11th of February 2022 took the historic bronze medal in the Women’s 1000 meters short track speed skating at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, becoming the first Belgian woman to win a medal at a Winter Olympic Games in an individual event. Tell us more about this spectacular achievement of yours?
Hanne Desmet:
To be the first to win an individual medal on the Olympics was an incredible experience. I had a difficult season with a serious concussion in the beginning of the year. At the games I started feeling super confident in my skating. I got 5th, 4th and 3rd at the games and was very proud of all these achievements. Being on the podium at the Olympic Games is an experience like no other. I’m very proud my achievement put short track on the map in Belgium. My skating abilities have been improving ever since.
Full Interview is Continued on Next Page
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2024 Women Fitness
Namita Nayyar:
You put the sporting track on fire at the 2024 European Short Track Speed Skating Championships that was held from 12th to 14th January 2024 in Gdańsk, Poland by winning Gold in the Women’s 1000 meters short track speed skating, Bronze medal in 500 m and another Bronze medal in 2000 m mixed relay. Elaborate more about these landmark achievements.
Hanne Desmet:
My first European title was in 2023; one year later I was able to successfully defend my title. In 2023 after winning the 1000m my brother also became European Champion; this was one of the most memorable moments in my career. There was so much excitement. To be able to share moments like these with my brother and my team is incredible.
In 2024, the first distance I fell with one lap to go while being in winning position. I had to flip the switch to come back confident and win the 1000m. In short track you definitely need a lot of mental toughness to be able to immediately go all out for the next race.
Namita Nayyar:
How winning the silver medal in Women’s 1000 meters short track speed skating at the 2021 World Short Track Speed Skating Championships play a catalyst to your meteoric rise as a speed skater.
Hanne Desmet:
This was my first Championships medal, it made me start to believe I could actually be competitive with the best in the world.
Namita Nayyar:
What exercises comprise your fitness regime or workout routine you may wish to share?
Hanne Desmet:
I train twice a day 6 days per week. Short track practices are long and require a lot of preparation. I skate every day and do biking, running, and weights outside of that. I love working hard and I love the feeling of improving.
Namita Nayyar:
How do you train your abs?
Hanne Desmet:
Consistency is the key. I do some kind of ab exercise every day. I’ll interrupt my school work and do a few exercises.
Namita Nayyar:
Do you take a special diet or have a strict menu that you follow?
Hanne Desmet:
I don’t believe in extreme dieting. I believe you can enjoy the things you like but with moderation. I enjoy eating healthy because I know it makes me feel better and perform better. But I also think it’s healthy to allow treating yourself every now and then.
Namita Nayyar:
Five foods you absolutely love and five you keep to a minimum.
Hanne Desmet:
I love candy, I need my sweets. My favorite food is a good pizza. I really like simple bread and some good cheese. Dark chocolate is also one of my favorites. I enjoy making all kinds of vegetables soups.
Namita Nayyar:
Share your hair care and skincare routine.
Hanne Desmet:
I don’t really have a skincare routine; I wash my face with water and wear sunscreen. I like trying hair care tips I find on the internet but I don’t have a mention worthy routine.
Namita Nayyar:
Quote you live by.
Hanne Desmet:
Don’t take yourself too seriously.
Namita Nayyar:
A day in the life of Hanne Desmet.
Hanne Desmet:
I don’t have a lot of variation in my days. I wake up and eat the same breakfast go to training, come back for lunch, go back to training. I really enjoy training, working hard, improving my skills. I get to work with great people and travel the world doing the sport I love.
Namita Nayyar:
Five travel destinations on your wish list.
Hanne Desmet:
Italy, Maldives, Greece, Madeira (Portugal) and Indonesia
Namita Nayyar:
In sports like speed skating how were you able to overcome physical or sports injury setbacks and what advice can you give to those in a similar situation?
Hanne Desmet:
Focus on the things you can control.
Namita Nayyar:
Advice and motivational words to the inspiring and budding speed skater girls, who all are your fans and shall like to know from you for their climb to the ladder of success in the field of speed skating?
Hanne Desmet:
It is never too late to follow your passion. Don’t let anyone tell you you’re not good enough. Work hard and believe in yourself. And most importantly enjoy the process.
This interview is exclusive and taken by Namita Nayyar President of womenfitness.net and should not be reproduced, copied, or hosted in part or full anywhere without express permission.
All Written Content Copyright © 2024 Women Fitness