From Olympic Glory to Coaching Triumph: Jorik Hendrickx's Journey with his Sister Loena

From Olympic Glory to Coaching Triumph: Jorik Hendrickx's Journey with his Sister Loena

Loena Hendrickx has emerged as a prominent figure in the world of female figure skating. Representing Belgium, she has claimed numerous national championships and has consistently impressed on the international stage, securing several prestigious trophies.

Central to Loena's success is her brother and coach, Jorik Hendrickx, a former two-time Olympic figure skater. Jorik's experience on the ice has been invaluable to Loena, not only due to his technical knowledge but also because of his personal journey as a gay athlete.

Jorik came out as gay just days before the 2018 Winter Olympics, a courageous step that added a new dimension to his life, both personally and professionally. Initially, Jorik was hesitant to coach his sister, fearing potential complications in their relationship.

"At first, I didn’t want to coach my sister," Jorik recalls. "I thought it might cause problems. So I was part of the coaching team but didn’t directly train her."

Loena, however, recognized her brother's potential to elevate her performance. She advocated for his inclusion in her coaching team, understanding the unique insights he could offer as an Olympic athlete.

Jorik and Loena had a candid discussion, setting clear boundaries to balance their familial and professional roles. "We sat down and made some good rules," Jorik explained. "It was important to be a coach first, and a brother second, at least on the ice."

This approach has yielded remarkable results. Loena achieved top-4 finishes in the last three World Championships, securing a silver and a bronze medal. Her performances in the European Championships have been equally impressive, including a gold medal last year.

Unfortunately, Loena was unable to defend her European title this year due to an ankle injury. Nevertheless, her track record speaks volumes of the effective partnership she shares with Jorik.

Jorik's coaching career extends beyond his sister. He has guided other successful skaters, including German national champion Nikita Starostin and Dutch national champion Lindsay van Zundert. His ability to impart knowledge and inspire athletes is widely recognized in the figure skating community.

Beyond the rink, Jorik balances his coaching duties with a fulfilling personal life, including a romantic relationship with his boyfriend, Dennis. "It’s been fun, and he’s been very supportive of my career," Jorik says. "As an athlete, it’s not easy for him to understand the demands of my job, which includes a lot of travel."

While the travel may be challenging, Jorik and Dennis have found a balance that works for them. "We’ve realized work trips aren’t fun and games, so Dennis mostly skips those trips," Jorik shares, adding a touch of humor to their logistical challenges.

Being both brother and coach to Loena gives Jorik a unique perspective. "I give her confidence. I know her body, I know her mind, and I can switch quickly when needed. We maintain a professional athlete-coach relationship on the ice," Jorik explains.

Jorik's journey as an out gay man in sports serves as an inspiration to many. "I’m really happy with who I am," he says. "I have a loving boyfriend, a supportive network of friends, and I’ve found my place in the community."

Jorik and Dennis enjoy attending Pride events globally, celebrating their identity and the progress they’ve made together. "I’m happy that on my journey, I’ve come a long way to accept myself," Jorik reflects.

Even in retirement, Jorik maintains his physical fitness, a testament to his years as an elite athlete. "I go to the gym five times a week," he says. "It’s hard work, but I enjoy staying in shape."

Jorik Hendrickx's story is one of triumph, both on and off the ice. His coaching success is mirrored by his personal happiness, making him a role model for athletes everywhere. Follow Jorik's journey on Instagram and stay updated with inspiring stories from the LGBTQ+ sports world.