Despite sub-top scores in Milan, Olympics spark figure skating boom in Belgium
Belgium’s figure skaters brought their Olympic campaign to a close in Milan on Thursday evening, with solid but ultimately sub-top finishes for Nina Pinzarrone and Loena Hendrickx.
Pinzarrone, competing in her first Winter Games, finished thirteenth overall with a total score of 200.30. The Brussels skater dropped two places in the free programme compared to her short programme ranking, but remained upbeat. "I'm very happy with that," she said after her Olympic debut.
For Hendrickx, Milan marked her third Olympic appearance. She ended fourteenth with 199.65 points, slipping seven places after the free programme. The 26-year-old admitted she had not delivered her strongest skate but took pride in having made it to the Games at all after a period marked by injuries and setbacks. "I thought I wouldn't be here. Achieving such a performance here is fantastic. I'm sure I could have done better if I'd been in good shape," she said.
Olympic momentum fuels figure skating boom
Despite the absence of medals, the visibility of Belgian skaters on the Olympic stage appears to be having a tangible impact. According to VRT NWS, figure skating has seen a marked rise in popularity in Flanders in the wake of recent Winter Games appearances.
Clubs report increased interest from children and teenagers eager to follow in the footsteps of athletes such as Hendrickx, who, in recent years, has helped put Belgian figure skating firmly on the international map. Ice rinks are seeing waiting lists grow, and federations are noting a surge in registrations, particularly among young girls inspired by Olympic performances.
The “Olympic effect” is not new, but the sustained presence of Belgian skaters in finals and top competitions has given the sport renewed credibility and visibility.
#FlandersNewsService | Loena Hendrickx from Belgium competes during the free skating match of figure skating women single skating at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy, Feb. 19, 2026. © PHOTO LI MING / XINHUA
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