A historic day unfolded for Belgian figure skaters Loena Hendrickx and Nina Pinzarrone as the European Figure Skating Championships progressed on Tuesday, February 17, 2026.
Hendrickx secured a silver medal in the short program, adding to her impressive collection of European medals. This marks the fourth European medal of her career, demonstrating her consistent performance on the international stage. The competition is a key event for athletes aiming for success at the upcoming World Championships and the Winter Olympics.
Meanwhile, Nina Pinzarrone finished just off the podium, achieving a commendable fourth-place finish. The pair’s performance has been hailed as a historic moment for Belgian figure skating, with both athletes showcasing their skills and dedication.
In other Olympic Winter Games news, Armand Marchant competed in the slalom event, but was unable to replicate his recent success. Despite feeling confident, the Belgian skier couldn’t achieve a stunning result, according to Le Soir. However, Marchant expressed strong feelings about the Olympic atmosphere, stating, “I sense exceptionally good, the 1,000 meters can definitely be mine.”
Marchant had recently achieved Belgium’s first-ever Alpine Ski World Cup podium finish with a silver medal in slalom in Gurgl, Austria, just 0.07 seconds behind the winner, and entered the competition with high hopes. De Morgen reported that Marchant felt a strong sense of confidence heading into the event.
On the short track, Hanne Desmet advanced to the semi-finals in the 1000m event. However, her brother, Stijn Desmet, faced disappointment as he was disqualified in the 500m event, expressing his frustration with his performance, as reported by HBVL. The Desmet family is experiencing a mix of emotions at the games, with Hanne’s success contrasting with Stijn’s setback.
The Belgian team, with a delegation of 30 athletes, is aiming to surpass the two medals won at the 2022 Beijing Games. The team’s performance is being closely watched as they compete at the Winter Olympics, hoping to achieve new heights, as detailed in Archyde.
Loena Hendrickx, born November 5, 1999, in Turnhout, Belgium, is considered the most successful Belgian women’s skater in history. She is the first-ever World, European, and Grand Prix medalist from Belgium in women’s singles, according to Wikipedia.
