Given that speed skating is a major professional sport in the Netherlands, amateur Sanne in't Hof is a surprise addition to the Dutch squad.

She's happy to be part of this unique experiment and to bring yet another surprise at the Beijing 5,000 m event.

Starting with a question

"Do you like Chinese?" coach Arjen Wolters asked In't Hof in late December 2021 as they stood in the Thialf ice arena in Heerenveen, the Netherlands, during the final race of the Dutch Olympic speed skating qualifier.

In 't Hof didn't quite understand the question. She thought it was about that evening's dinner since her team hadn't ordered anything yet on their last night at the bed and breakfast they were staying in.

"Not in particular," she replied.

Wolters was, indeed, talking about food but not that evening's meal. Rather, he was talking about the meals they would have during their stay in Beijing. He'd made the comment when it became clear to him that Irene Schouten would win and that Joy Beune would not get a better time than In't Hof, which would mean In 't Hof would compete in the 2022 Games.

"Now, I have to like Chinese," In't Hof replied, as his meaning became clear to her.

First impressions

On Jan 26, In't Hof left for Beijing with the Dutch team of 17 speed skaters. The Olympic debutant felt amazed upon her arrival.

"'Wow! How big!' I thought," the 23-year-old recalled.

"This is the real deal. Everything was very well arranged, too. We were transported to the Olympic Village by bus through the middle of the city. All the roads were closed. I just felt like royalty. The road to the village was already Olympic as Olympic flags and figures hung on every lamppost.

"The whole city was decorated, and I have even seen life-size statues of the Olympic mascot. On the way to the skating hall, I also saw some real Chinese temples. I think Beijing is a beautiful city and a clean city."

She takes walks every day after she wakes up.

"I love to feel the sun on my face. I can go out whenever I want. We have that freedom. Only, we are not allowed to go outside the village," she said.

"The weather is beautiful, sunny. About minus 7 to minus 9 degrees Celsius in the morning and about minus 2 to 2 degrees later. The air is drier than in the Netherlands, and, therefore, it feels less cold."

Taste test

The question remains: Does In't Hof like Chinese food now?

"Of course, the food is really good," she said.

"There is a choice of different cuisines in the dining hall-more than enough choices. You have the Chinese food stand, the international, the halal food. One day, I take pasta, and the next day I eat Chinese. From the Chinese cuisine, I often take rice with soy sauce, noodles and Chinese vegetables. Very tasty."

Xinhua