Friday, 3 January 2014 - 11:52
Biggest Dutch Olympics squad for Sochi
The Netherlands will send the biggest ever team for the Winter Olympics in Sochi.
The Dutch squad was unveiled during a presentation ceremony in Papendal on Thursday, and the squad will consist of 41 members, Zee News reports.
Sochi 2014 - Mascots / Olympic.org
"We are a team of 41 Olympic athletes," Maurits Hendriks, a former national field hockey coach, said. "This is more than ever in the Dutch history of the Winter Games, while we selected incredibly strict."
The Dutch team of 41 athletes includes 20 speed skaters and could be expanded with some snowboarders, biathletes or ski jumpers.
"But the real test is yet to come," Hendriks added. "Keep doing what you`re good at that, no last-minute changes. The Olympics are wonderful, very special, but hectic. There will be issues, also social issues. Just stay focused."