Dutch Short-Track World Champion Lara Van Ruijven Dies At Age 27

World champion short-track speedskater Lara van Ruijven died on Friday as a result of complications from an autoimmune reaction, the Netherlands skating association said. Van Ruijven was 27.

She died in a hospital in the French city of Perpignan, where she had been in a critical condition for days.

She last year became the first Dutch short-track skater to win a world title when she won the 500-meter title in Sofia, Bulgaria.

Taken too soon 🧡 Rest in peace, Lara.⁠
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Sterkte voor Lara's familie en haar team tijdens deze moeilijke tijd.⁠
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(Strength to Lara's family and her team during this difficult time.)⁠ pic.twitter.com/vtQYriTVa3

— US Speedskating (@USSpeedskating) July 10, 2020

“What terrible news we’ve just received. The loss will be felt in the sport world,” national coach Jeroen Otter said.

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

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