#speedskating : He is a New-Zealander (or "Kiwi") but he skates for Belgium. Today, meet Jordan, with us, he speaks of speed skating and of his career
1.Can you introduce yourself ?
I am Jordan McMillen, 22 years old. I come from New Zealand but I represent Belgium in Speed Skating. 2.Your mum was European Champion, in short-track, your father took part in the Olympic games twice and he was also World Champion twice. So, was it natural for you to do speed skating ? Yes, for as long as I can remember speed skating has been a large part of my life. I have been on the ice since I could walk. I competed in short track speed skating until I was 18. I made the switch to long track speed skating because I am able to use my height at as more of an advantage. 3.You are living far away from your home country. So, it is difficult to practise your sport? I moved away from my home in New Zealand to Europe to make it easier to pursue my dreams in this sport. It was difficult at first living in new places with different languages and cultures but now it’s all part of what makes life fun and exciting. 4.What do you like about this sport ? Good question. The pain and the suffering of all the trainings everyday is good. It’s worth it though when you get to travel around the world for races and get to see new things, make new friends and enjoy what you’re good at it. The sport has a very nice adrenaline rush to it also. On tv it may look like it’s all under control but we are sliding on ice on 1mm thick blades at 60kmh. It’s crazy fun!
© Patrick Rutten / © D.Beskrovnhy
5.What do you think of the beginning of your season ?
I had a very good start my season with a big personal record in the 5km. It made me happy and gave me a lot of motivation to look forward to the rest of the season. 6.What do you think of your Olympic season? This was my first Olympic season where I have ever been able to actually aim for Olympic qualification. It was always going to be difficult. Every Olympic season is. But I did feel like I had a good chance to qualify. However, sometimes there are things that we can not control in our lives that can hold us back. I did everything I could but it just wasn’t enough. I keep looking forward. 4 more years until the next Olympics. Beijing 2022 is my goal. 7.Have you already thought about your future career after the speed skating? Yes I have a little bit. I would really enjoy being a coach to help others achieve their own goals. Frow what I know at the moment I will be living and training in Heerenveen for the coming Winter. I am working a job during the summer so that during the winter I do not have to work. I have previously worked the last 2 winters and this caused me a lot of stress and maybe prevented me from achieving the better results that I was hoping for.
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