The short track world championships are a nightmare for Hannie Desmet: she wins a turbulent 1,000 metres, but is penalized again

The Short Track World Championships in Rotterdam became a turning point for the Belgians and certainly for Han Desmet. Our compatriot was dismissed on Saturday by the judges, and on Sunday she won the 1000 meters after a turbulent final. But the jury intervened again: the fierce Desmet was left empty-handed.

Hahn Desmet was forced to hand over her silver medal in the 1,500m yesterday after the judges intervened. She was also penalized in the 500 metres.

In the 1000 metres, she sniffed her chance for revenge and made it a tough final.

The four of them entered the final round. Desmet made the impression, home rider Susanne Schulting wanted to finally erase the Netherlands' clean sheet.

Schulting, a very good friend of Desmet, struck our compatriot and slipped. She pulled two rivals to her downfall.

Desmet also faltered for a moment and suddenly had to take into account the released Italian Ariana Fontana.

Desmet fends off her attack, taking the gold, but realizes that she must save the cries of joy for a while.

The jury had to consider the many crucial stages over and over again, and an agonizing verdict followed.

The race resumed but without Desmet. She couldn't believe her eyes and ears after another medallion was drilled into her nose.

For the Belgian national team, the World Cup is quickly becoming forgotten. Han Desmet received a total of 3 penalty kicks, and the medal basket remained empty.

The Belgian team reacted angrily. “This is pure theft,” shouted KBSF President Cornet Lepot. “Six years of working for nothing.”

Other Belgians protested on the sidelines with hand gestures and raised voices.

During the giant duel, Dutchman Schulting broke his ankle. After that there was little evidence of a friendly atmosphere.

“Han should check for herself how she skated in this tournament,” she sharpened.