Xandra Velzeboer shines with gold at Olympic Games

Xandra Velzeboer was part of the short-track relay team that was favourite to win gold at the Winter Olympic Games in Beijing. But the way the LifeScience and Technology student at the University of Groningen excelled in the relay final, putting all other countries behind her, was impressive. It yielded the short-track star and her team-mates a wonderful gold medal.

Xandra made an impression halfway through the race by retaking the lead from third position and skating away from the rest. ’That was crucial,’ Xandra looked back. ‘I thought: “Oh no, you are not going to overtake me”. Then we created a huge gap. It was a relief that we succeeded because it was a stressful moment for me. The fact that we were able to skate away again like that is very impressive. It came at the right moment. Great!’

Xandra finished fifth in the 1,000 metres by convincingly winning the B final earlier at the Winter Olympics. On Wednesday, she will compete in the 1,500 metres. Given the terrific race on Sunday, expectations are high.