loena hendrickx delivers composed short program, keeps Olympic medal chase alive

Loena Hendrickx steadied her Olympic campaign with a composed short program at the 2026 Winter Games on Feb. 17, 2026, in Milan-Cortina. After a season clouded by fitness doubts, the Belgian skater produced a controlled performance that secured her spot in the women's free skate and kept her in the conversation for a top finish.

Solid technical display under pressure

Hendrickx hit the ice with a concise, focused routine that emphasized clean basics and musical timing. Skating to a measured program, she completed her jump elements without the visible wobble that had troubled her through parts of the season. The run-through showed good edge quality on spins and step sequences, helping to offset a strict panel on jump levels.

Judges rewarded the balance between technique and presentation, placing Hendrickx among the qualifiers for the free skate. The result marks an important milestone after several months in which she managed training ramps and a cautious competitive build-up. Her performance illustrated a return to the polished, resilient skating that brought her to the top of the sport in recent years.

What this means for Belgium and the rest of the event

Hendrickx's advancement ensures Belgium remains represented in the latter stages of the women's competition, an outcome that lifts expectations back up for national supporters. The free skate will give her the space to expand the program content and chase higher placements, but it also presents the classic Olympic pressure: lift the technical base while maintaining clean execution under an intense spotlight.

Strategic adjustments will be essential. With a free skate window that rewards stamina and consistency, Hendrickx and her coaching team are likely to tweak element layout and pacing to maximize scoring potential while guarding against risk. In the field of competitors, several rivals also preserved energy in the short program, setting up an open free skate where placements can shift markedly based on who nails the longer routine.

Beyond individual ambitions, Hendrickx's showing is an encouraging sign for her program cycle ahead of other major championships this season. A calm, well-executed short program at the Olympics often translates into confidence that can elevate a skater's free skate delivery.

Looking ahead: free skate prospects and tactical choices

Hendrickx now turns attention to the free skate later in the event. The decision-making will revolve around whether to push for maximum technical difficulty or prioritize a fully clean performance with slightly trimmed content. Either approach carries upside: higher base value if she lands more difficult jumps, or a stronger chance at climbing the leaderboard if she opts for a mistake-free program with quality components.

Fans and commentators will watch how she balances risk and artistry. If she can replicate the poise of the short program over the longer free skate, Hendrickx could finish substantially higher than many expect. Regardless of final placement, today’s performance reaffirmed her resilience and capacity to compete at the highest level when it matters most.

Schedule notes: the women's free skate is set for later in the Olympic schedule; check local listings for exact timing in Eastern Time (ET).