Published
Livio Wenger won the first Swiss European Championship medal in speed skating in Heerenveen on Sunday. This, although the Lucerne is actually still suffering from Corona consequences.
It was made possible by Livio Wenger from Lucerne in Heerenveen on Sunday.
REUTERS
In the mass start Wenger (left) came second behind the Belgian Bart Swings (center).
AFP
-
Livio Wenger won the first Swiss individual medal in speed skating.
-
Despite suffering from Corona, the man from Lucerne is considered a hope for a medal in Beijing.
-
Wenger: “An Olympic medal is certainly possible.”
What Livio Wenger does on Sunday in Heerenveen, Holland, is a first: For the first time ever, a Swiss person wins an individual medal at a major international speed skating event (World Cup or European Championship). He finished fourth at the 2018 Olympic Games in Pyeongchang, Korea. Now Wenger struck in his favorite discipline mass start and finished second behind the Belgian Bart Swings.
“The race went according to plan,” says the Lucerne man regarding 20 minutes. Right from the start, he oriented himself towards swings in order to save as much strength as possible. After all, Wenger only went through corona disease a month ago and is still taking a long time to recover. “I was already tired following a few laps,” he admits following his triumph. Wenger continues: “It took more effort than usual to stay in a good position.”
Confidence for Beijing
Nevertheless, he expected the medal: “I never doubted myself, I knew that I might,” said Wenger. And further: “Now I can look confidently to Beijing.” Because he is the Swiss hope for precious metal in the mass start. “A medal has been my goal for four years now,” confirms the 28-year-old, “it is certainly possible.”
Wenger also hopes to cure his corona complaints by the start of February. But he doesn’t have to worry regarding entry troubles: You have to be twelve days recovered to get to Beijing. “Unfortunately, other athletes will still be caught,” he warns, “but the starting field in Beijing will be a little stronger than in Heerenveen.”
As a member, you become part of the 20-minute community and benefit from great benefits and exclusive competitions every day!
(the hell)
