Bart Swings pleasantly surprised by Sports Merit Cup: ‘It says something about the evolution of winter sports’

“I was surprised, yes, when I heard the news. There are a lot of strong athletes in Belgium.”

Naturally, there was a smile on Bart Swings’ face when he received the Sports Merit Award. “For me, this is the first national award I’ve won. An award you can only win once, which makes it even more special.”

The honors list is full of beautiful names – with the exception of Eddy Merckx. For example, Remco Evenpoel won the cup last year.

Swings would love for winter sports fans to now have that honor. “I’m trying to put winter sports in Belgium on the map. We are getting stronger and stronger and our country is really becoming a winter sports country.”

“It says something about the development of our country. In a way, it is also a reward for my long-standing career. I can also be proud of that.”

Bart Swings won the world title in the mass start in 2023 and also took a World Cup bronze in the 5,000 metres. He also became the eventual winner of the World Cup mass start.

However, he had to allow Evenebowale to go ahead with the election as Sportsman of the Year. “Because it is difficult to give a special performance at the beginning of the year.”

“It doesn’t bother me that I haven’t won this award yet. I also look at the performance of other people like Remco, who performs at such a high level every year. So I can live with that, yes,” he laughs.

Now the recognition will come, which means a big boost for next season. “The focus is now entirely on February and March,” Swings concludes.