The parallel with three-time Olympic champion Irene Schouten has been drawn many times. And not without reason, because in terms of skating and inline skating DNA, Schilder seems to be a carbon copy of Schouten, who has since retired.
“Irene was the last Dutch European junior champion in the elimination race in 2009, until I won it last week. I think it’s nice that people are comparing me to Irene. I see it as a compliment. I hope to be as good as Irene. With a good attitude and if I continue to enjoy the sport enough, it might just work out.”
Before the skating season starts, the World Roller Skating Championships in Pescara, Italy, await in September. “Participants from Colombia, Ecuador and Argentina are also taking part. They are incredibly strong. There are often rumours that they use doping. That could well be the case, because there are few or no checks on the youth. I was not checked during the European Championships either. That is not necessary, because I eat a pancake in the morning and then it is: go with that banana!”
