Famous Dutch Speed Skaters

Jutta Leerdam is a prominent Dutch speed skater known for her expertise in sprint events. She has achieved significant success in her professional career, earning multiple titles and medals in various competitions. Leerdam's dedication to her sport and exceptional speed on the ice have solidified her reputation as a top athlete in the speed skating world. Her impressive performances have garnered admiration from fans and fellow competitors alike, establishing her as a formidable force in the sprint events.

Koen Verweij is a former Dutch speed skater and inline speed skater who transitioned from the Jong Oranje team to the commercial team of TVM in 2008-09. He held the Dutch national record for the 1500 meters distance from December 9, 2017, to March 10, 2019. Verweij's professional career was marked by his achievements in speed skating, where he showcased his talent and dedication to the sport, leaving a lasting impact on the Dutch speed skating scene during his competitive years.

Lara van Ruijven was a prominent Dutch short track speed skater known for her remarkable achievements in the sport. She made history by becoming the first Dutch woman to win a world short track title at an individual event, showcasing her exceptional skill and determination. Her success extended to the international stage, where she contributed to the Dutch team's bronze medal win at the 2018 Winter Olympics in the 3000 meters relay event. Additionally, she secured a gold medal at the World Championships, solidifying her reputation as a top athlete in the sport.

Yvonne van Gennip is a highly successful Dutch all-round speed skater, best known for her remarkable achievements at the 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary. Despite facing injury and surgery just before the games, she stunned the world by winning three gold medals and breaking world records in the 3000m, 1500m, and 5000m races. She also participated in the 1984 and 1992 Winter Olympics, as well as winning medals in various World Championships, solidifying her status as one of the sport's most accomplished athletes.

Patrick Roest is a prominent Dutch long track speed skater, achieving significant success in his career. He has clinched the World Allround Speed Skating Championships three times and currently tops the adelskalender, a comprehensive ranking system based on skaters' personal best performances. Roest is associated with Team Reggeborgh, a notable commercial team in the sport. His exceptional skills and achievements have solidified his reputation as a top athlete in the world of long track speed skating.

Houkje Gerrits Bouma was a skilled Dutch female kortebaan speed skater who gained recognition for her participation in the early days of women's speed skating. She competed in the first known women's speed skating race in 1805 and achieved victory in the women's speed skating competition in 1809. Her proficiency in the sport and success in competitions solidified her reputation as a talented athlete within the skating community. Bouma's dedication and achievements contributed to the growing popularity of women's speed skating during her era.

Sven Kramer is a retired Dutch long track speed skater with an impressive career. He holds a record nine World Allround Championships and ten European Allround Championships. Kramer is a three-time Olympic champion in the 5000 meters and has won a record 21 gold medals at the World Single Distance Championships. He achieved multiple world records in the 5000m and 10,000m events. Kramer was a dominant force in international competitions, winning numerous titles consecutively. He retired in 2022 after an illustrious career with the Jumbo-Visma speed skating team.

Ireen Wüst is a Dutch former long track speed skater of German ancestry. She is the most successful speed skating Olympian ever, having won at least one gold medal in five consecutive Winter Olympic appearances. Wüst is the only athlete to win an individual gold medal in five consecutive Olympics. She holds the record for the most Olympic medals won by a speed skater and is the most successful athlete of the Netherlands at the Olympics. Wüst has also achieved numerous world championships and European titles in speed skating.

Kjeld Nuis is a prominent Dutch speed skater known for his expertise in the 1000 and 1500 meters distances. He has achieved remarkable success in various competitions, notably winning gold medals at the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang in both the 1500m and 1000m events. Nuis further solidified his reputation by successfully defending his title in the 1500m at the 2022 Winter Olympics. His exceptional performance has also led him to hold the world record in the 1500 meters event.

Jorien ter Mors is a retired Dutch speed skater known for her success in both short track and long track events. She achieved Olympic gold in the 1500 metres and team pursuit at the 2014 Winter Olympics, as well as in the 1000 metres at the 2018 Winter Olympics. Her exceptional talent and skill in speed skating made her a formidable competitor on the international stage, earning her a reputation as one of the top athletes in the sport during her career.

Marianne Timmer is a retired Dutch speed skater known for her expertise in the 1000m and 1500m distances. She achieved significant success at the 1998 Winter Olympics, where she claimed gold medals in both events. Timmer's career was marked by her exceptional speed and skill on the ice, making her a formidable competitor in international competitions. Her notable achievements and contributions to the sport have solidified her legacy as one of the most accomplished speed skaters in Dutch history.

Michel Mulder is a Dutch speed skater known for his achievements in the 500m and 1,000m distances, including winning the 2014 Olympic gold and bronze medals. He also secured a second-place finish at the 2012 World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships. Despite not qualifying for the 2018 Olympics, he has continued to showcase his talent on the ice. In addition to his speed skating career, Mulder showcased his versatility by winning the first season of the television show Stars on Stage in 2024.

Carry Geijssen was a successful speed skater from the Netherlands, known for her achievements in the sport during the 1960s. She won medals at the Dutch Allround Championships and the World Allround Championships. Geijssen made history by becoming the first Dutch Olympic Champion in speed skating at the 1968 Winter Olympics in Grenoble, setting a new Olympic record in the 1,000 m event. She continued to compete for a few more years before retiring in 1971.