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Saskia AlusaluEstonian athlete (speed skating)
Date of Birth: 14.04.1994
Country:  Estonia |
Content:
- Biography of Saskia Alusalu
- Early Life and Career
- Professional Career
- Record-Breaking Success
- International Competitions
- Olympic Achievement
- Personal Life
Biography of Saskia Alusalu
IntroductionSaskia Alusalu is an Estonian athlete specializing in long-distance speed skating. She has achieved great success in her career, becoming a multiple-time champion of Estonia and setting numerous national records. Alusalu began her journey in the sport at a young age and has since competed in various international competitions, including the World Cup and the Olympics.
Early Life and Career
Saskia Alusalu was born in Estonia and grew up in the town of Põltsamaa. From a young age, she showed a passion for sports and excelled in both speed skating and football. Alusalu also pursued her musical interests and attended a music school alongside her athletic training. In 2006, she started training in speed skating under the guidance of her first coach, Väino Treiman, at the Tervis club in Põltsamaa.
Professional Career
As Alusalu progressed in her career, she sought further training opportunities in Germany and the Netherlands. She worked with coaches Jeremy Wotherspoon and Wim den Elsen to enhance her skills and competitiveness in the sport. In the 2008/09 season, Alusalu participated in adult championships in Estonia, where she consistently won medals due to the limited number of participants. She quickly established herself as a formidable competitor and secured her first national championship title in February 2009.
Record-Breaking Success
Throughout her career, Saskia Alusalu has set over 60 national records in individual distances and all-round events. She currently holds national records in the 500m, 1000m, 1500m, 3000m, 5000m, and all-round categories. Her exceptional performances have made her a dominant force in Estonian speed skating.
International Competitions
Starting from the 2010/11 season, Alusalu began participating in international competitions, including the Viking Race and World Cups for junior skaters. In the 2012/13 season, she achieved several top-10 finishes in the Junior World Cup and ranked third overall. She also represented Estonia at the Junior World Championships in 2011, 2012, and 2013, consistently placing within the top 20.
In the 2013/14 season, Alusalu made her debut in the adult World Cup and competed in both the World Championships and European Championships. While she has not yet reached the podium, she has consistently placed in the top 20 at the European Championships.
Olympic Achievement
In preparation for the 2018 Winter Olympics, Saskia Alusalu successfully met the Olympic qualifying standards, becoming the first Estonian female speed skater to qualify for the Olympic Games. She proudly carried the Estonian flag during the opening ceremony, representing her country with honor and distinction.
Personal Life
Saskia Alusalu has two older sisters, one of whom, Sandra (born 1987), is also involved in speed skating. The Alusalu family has a strong presence in the sport, with both Saskia and her sister contributing to the success of Estonian speed skating.
