Bart's World Championships

"We showed we don't fear anyone, not even Mantia. I think that's the biggest asset of the World Championships"

A Gold medal, one silver and all other races where finished within the top 10. Bart Swings skated phenomenal during the World Championships in China last week. Better than he could have hoped for.

Winning the Gold was a dream coming true for the 19-year young Belgium. "I hoped for a medal, I believed that to be within my possibilities. I never expected to become World Champion."

"I think we got the maximum out of it. One Gold, one Silver, I sure may not complain at all. On the other hand I raced some races from which I expected more. The 1,000m on the track for example. I got eleminated in the semi final, because I was in a heat with skaters not interested in a fast time. I still got second behind Mantia, but we were too slow."

"All preparations for the championships went so smooth, also in China. I needed a little time to get adjusted to the track, especially because it 'behaved' different every day so the wheel choice was a tricky one."

"The silver medal I won at the elemination race on the road.. I still have regrets about that. Ferre Spruyt did such a huge effort, keeping me in the lead for 75% of the race. I was in perfect position for the final laps. It would have been a great team effort, would I have won this race."

"Yes, Joey performed exceptional winning 7 Gold's. Can I beat him next year? That's sure what I'm aiming for. I think Ferre and I showed in the elimination race, that we don't fear him, nor anyone. We took control over the race and dictated. We tried, came short a little bit, but I'm sure we impressed."

Links:

Bart Swings profile
Bart Swings racing pictures
World Championships results