suzanne schulting extends with team essent, continues dual discipline pursuit
Utrecht, dinsdag, 21 april 2026.
suzanne schulting remains committed to both shorttrack and long track speed skating after extending her contract with team essent until mid-2028. the dutch athlete, a ten-time world champion in shorttrack, made headlines not for a new medal, but for her rare choice to compete at elite level in two demanding disciplines. despite missing selection for the recent shorttrack world championships, she proved her long track potential by winning four distances at the national sprint meet and taking silver behind femke kok at the wk sprint. coach jac orie confirms she belongs to the world top on long track. schulting aims for consistent performance next season, building on her strong late-season form.
contract extension secures dual discipline future
Suzanne Schulting extended her contract with Team Essent until mid-2028, confirming her commitment to competing in both shorttrack and long track speed skating [1]. The 28-year-old athlete, a ten-time world champion in shorttrack, joined Team Essent two years ago to strengthen her presence on the long track [1]. Her decision underscores a strategic focus on excelling across two physically demanding disciplines simultaneously [1][2]. This continuation aligns with her ambition to maintain elite status in both arenas under the guidance of coach Jac Orie [1].
resilience rewarded after challenging season
Despite a difficult start to the season, Schulting finished strongly on the long track circuit [2]. After failing to qualify for the 2026 Short Track World Championships via national selection, she dominated the Dutch National Sprint Championships by winning all four distances [1]. One week later, she secured silver at the World Sprint Speed Skating Championships, finishing behind Femke Kok [1]. She described closing the season on such a high note as her “biggest victory” amid early struggles [1][2]. This momentum solidified her standing within Team Essent’s program [1].
coach affirms world class caliber
Jac Orie, head coach at Team Essent, praised Schulting’s ability to deliver under pressure during the final stretch of competition [1]. He highlighted her performances at back-to-back four-distance events where she claimed gold and silver medals [1]. According to Orie, these results prove Schulting already competes among the best on the long track internationally [1]. He expressed confidence that she has yet to reach her peak performance levels [1]. Continued development could yield significant achievements in upcoming seasons if her current trajectory holds [1].
future ambitions built on stability
Looking ahead, Schulting aims to achieve greater consistency across entire seasons rather than peaking toward the end [1][2]. Her goal is to perform at a high level from the opening races through to championship finishes [1]. By combining resources and training support from Team Essent with her experience in shorttrack racing dynamics, she hopes to push further [1]. Maintaining fitness and competitive sharpness in both disciplines remains central to her athletic strategy through 2028 [1][2].