World champion short-track speed skater Lara van Ruijven dies at 27
Skating association says death a result of complications from autoimmune reaction
World champion short-track speed skater Lara van Ruijven died on Friday as a result of complications from an autoimmune reaction, the Netherlands skating association said. Van Ruijven was 27.
She died in a hospital in the French city of Perpignan, where she had been in a critical condition for days.
She last year became the first Dutch woman to win a short-track world title when she won the 500-metre title in Sofia, Bulgaria.
Van Ruijven won a short-track world title in 2019, claiming the 500-metre title in Sofia, Bulgaria.
RIP Lara, my condolences to all family, friends and teammates 🖤 you will be greatly missed. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/panterlara?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#panterlara</a> <a href="https://t.co/QPkfWCs24n">pic.twitter.com/QPkfWCs24n</a>
—@IvanieB"What terrible news we've just received. The loss will be felt in the sport world," national coach Jeroen Otter said.
Herman de Haan, director of the national skating body, added: "It's incomprehensible that she has been taken from us while in the prime of her life."
Comments
To encourage thoughtful and respectful conversations, first and last names will appear with each submission to CBC/Radio-Canada's online communities (except in children and youth-oriented communities). Pseudonyms will no longer be permitted.
By submitting a comment, you accept that CBC has the right to reproduce and publish that comment in whole or in part, in any manner CBC chooses. Please note that CBC does not endorse the opinions expressed in comments. Comments on this story are moderated according to our Submission Guidelines. Comments are welcome while open. We reserve the right to close comments at any time.
Become a CBC Member
Join the conversation Create account
Already have an account?