11 July 2020

Dutch world short speed skating champion Lara Van Ruijven dies at 27

World speed skating champion Lara Van Ruijven has died at the age of 27 after she was diagnosed with an autoimmune disorder.

The Dutch star was admitted to a hospital on June 25 after falling ill at a training camp in France. 

Four days later she was taken to an intensive care unit, where she was in a coma, and died on Friday, according to reports in Holland.

Dutch skating director Herman de Haan said: “It’s incomprehensible that she has been taken from us while in the prime of her life.”

Last year, she won the 500m title at the World Championships in Bulgaria and was an Olympic bronze medallist at the 2018 Pyeongchang Winter Games in the 3,000m relay. 

Three-time world short track speed skating champion Elise Christie paid tribute on social media, writing: “Rest in peace @LaravanRuijven miss you already x.”

One fan said: “27 year old short track speedskating champion Lara van Ruijven died today. I am in absolute shock. So terrible! She was a great person and someone who gave everything for her sport. #LaravanRuijven.”

Another fan wrote: “Such sad news, #laravanruijven hast lost her life today, my condolences, thoughts and prayers are with her family and friends, with the short track team of NL and the short track community.”

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