Belgian figure skating trailblazer Loena Hendrickx has retired from competition. The 2024 ISU European Champion announced her decision at a press conference on June 24, 2026, bringing to a close one of the most remarkable careers in Belgian figure skating.

Loena Hendrickx poses with her gold medal at the ISU Figure Skating European Championship 2024 in Kaunas, Lithuania. © Getty Images

Why is Loena Hendrickx retiring?

At 26, Hendrickx says she is ready for her next chapter after achieving all her dreams on the ice. 

After winning her first of two ISU World medals in 2022, she reflected, “I didn't think I would be capable of doing this, and now it is the time, and it's just crazy.” 

Even greater success followed, including her historic ISU European title in 2024, allowing the multiple Belgian Champion to look back at a career that transformed Belgian figure skating. She retires with a sense of fulfillment, having achieved more than she ever imagined.

“A journey filled with unforgettable moments, victories, setbacks, happiness and tears,” Hendrickx wrote on Instagram. “A journey that shaped me, challenged me, and ultimately made me the woman I am today.”
 

Loena Hendrickx’s gratitude and pride 

“As a little girl, I never would have dared to dream that I could achieve so much,” Hendrickx said at the press conference. “I’m incredibly proud of that.”

Hendrickx expressed deep gratitude for everyone who supported her throughout her career. “More than anything, I am incredibly grateful. Grateful for every lesson, every sacrifice, every person I met along the way, and every opportunity this sport gave me. It taught me resilience, discipline, passion, and the courage to keep going when things got tough,” she wrote.

Throughout her career, Loena Hendrickx had to overcome a series of serious injuries and even missed the entire 2024/25 pre-Olympic season. She fought her way back to secure an Olympic spot and to compete at her third Olympic Winter Games Milano Cortina 2026. 

From being the “little sister” to becoming a star

Loena Hendrickx followed her brother Jorik into the sport. Jorik, seven years her senior, was a successful skater himself and is a two-time Olympian. Following his retirement in 2018, he transitioned into coaching and guided his younger sister to the biggest achievements of her career.

What comes next for Loena Hendrickx?

Hendrickx plans to stay involved in skating - the sport she loves and had dedicated herself to since the age of four. 

“Just because I’m retiring from elite sports doesn’t mean I won’t be back on the ice,” she said. “It’s my passion; it makes me happy. I’ll still do some shows in the future. I’m glad I can stay involved in the sport this way. This summer, I’ll also be coaching at camps. It’s really exciting to be able to pass on my vision like this.”

Beyond skating, a new chapter also awaits. Having earned a degree in early childhood education, Hendrickx is ready to explore new professional avenues. 

“Everything is open. A whole new world is opening up for me now,” the two-time ISU World medalist shared. “It’s very exciting; I have to build a new career from scratch.”

Loena Hendrickx competes in the figure skating women's single free skating at the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games in Milan, Italy © Getty Images

Loena Hendrickx's figure skating achievements

Loena Hendrickx has made history for figure skating in Belgium and in the world.

By bringing outstanding, powerful and entertaining programs to the ice, Hendrickx has left a lasting legacy and significantly contributed to the growth and visibility of figure skating in her home country and beyond.