Freek van der Wart

Reason for choosing this sport

"I thought short track was fun. The struggle, the emotion, passion, and overtaking."

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Injuries	He required surgery on a fibula injury in September 2016. (schaatsen.nl, 13 Sep 2016) He broke his ankle in a training accident in August 2016. (schaatsen.nl, 10 Aug 2016) He required shoulder surgery at the end of the 2015/16 season. (schaatsen.nl, 13 Sep 2016) He dislocated his shoulder in January 2014 but recovered in time to compete at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi. It was the second time in his career he had dislocated his shoulder. (nusport.nl, 30 Jan 2014; nos.nl, 18 Jan 2014)
Other information	RETIREMENT He retired from competitive short track in late 2017 due to an ankle injury. (schaatsen.nl, 22 Jun 2018) ACCIDENT In May 2014 he was knocked off his bike by a motorist while training with national teammates Sjinkie Knegt and Daan Breeuwsma. He did not sustain any serious injuries but his training was affected for a period and he claimed he longer felt comfortable cycling in a group. The driver of the car was given 180 hours of community service. (dewoudklank.nl, 07 Oct 2014)
Memorable sporting achievement	Winning gold in the overall competition at the 2013 European Championships in Malmo, Sweden, and being part of the Dutch team that claimed victory in the 5000m relay at the 2014 World Championships in Montreal, QC, Canada. (schaatsen.nl, 24 Feb 2015)

When and where did you begin this sport?

He began skating at age six.

Famous relatives

His partner Mayon Kuipers has represented the Netherlands in speed skating at World Cup events. (SportsDeskOnline, 18 Jan 2016; schaatsen.nl, 01 Jan 2016)