Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics Top Moment of the Day – 13 February: Suzanne Schulting anchors Dutch to emotional relay triumph

There is action every day at the Olympic Winter Games Beijing 2022 but we’ll select for you the best one at the end of the competitions, when Beijing is closing its doors. Today: Short track speed skating star Suzanne Schulting reigns supreme.

Short track speed skater Suzanne Schulting was the picture of delight when she crossed the line to secure gold for the Netherlands in the women’s 3000m relay.

The Dutch team - already world champions and record holders in the event - were unstoppable in the Capital Indoor Stadium.

Powered by the mighty Schulting engine, they beat Korea to gold in a new Olympic record of 4:03.409.

Arms outstretched, 24-year-old Schulting let out screams of joy before joining teammates Selma Poutsma, Xandra Velzeboer and Yara van Kerkhof to celebrate their achievement.

"I was actually so happy we were able to do it,” said a delighted Schulting after the race. “I am so proud of the girls. They did an amazing job. We did it!”

There was poignancy too with women remembering teammate PyeongChang 2018 relay bronze medallist Lara van Ruijven, who passed away suddenly in 2020.

“We dedicate it to Lara – we lost her. She is always in our minds as we know she’s here with us,” said Van Kerkhof.

“She is very special. We are so sad she is not here with us. She would be really proud,” added Schulting.

Schulting’s victory tonight marks the close of yet another stunning chapter in the skater’s whirlwind Beijing 2022 adventure.

In her first outing at the Games, the flying Dutchwoman set a new Olympic record time of 42.379 in the women’s 500m heats.

Though she would go on to be pipped to the gold by Arianna Fontana of Italy, Schulting’s blistering pace was just a taste of what was to come.

In the women’s 1000m event,