Former gold and silver medal-winning short-track star Yara van Kerkhof retires 

Short track star Yara van Kerkhof has retired from top-level sport. Originally from Zoetermeer, she was the first woman to win a medal in short-track speed skating for the Netherlands at the Pyeongchang Winter Games. She got silver in the 500 meters. Four years later, as a relay team member, she won gold in Beijing.

"I look back at my career with pride as I felt I got everything out of it that I could," the 34-year-old Van Kerkhof wrote in a statement released by the skating association KSNB. "I have experienced the whole development of the Dutch short track. I am very proud that I was part of all the first major international titles and was also the first Dutch short-track woman to climb onto the podium at the Games."

Van Kerkhof moved to Heerenveen from Zoetermeer in 2009, where she first became a member of the training crew. In 2010/2011, she became a European champion for the first time with the relay team and won a silver medal at the World Cup with the team. In total, she achieved 10 European and three world titles.

"I have thoroughly enjoyed the process of working to a highlight with the team, believing in it together, and going for it. Having such a clear target is something I am going to miss. But I am also looking forward to exploring a different approach to my life, where I have more time for family and friends."

National coach Niels Kerstholt praised Van Kerkhof. "Yara has contributed immensely to the successes with her iron discipline, social character, and sharpness." Colleague and year-long roommate Suzanne Schulting also praised Van Kerkhof: "Yara was always extremely diligent and even managed to obtain a master's degree in addition to her top sports career. I have a lot of admiration for that. I will miss her very much."

Van Kerkhof is now going to focus on her social career.