The Netherlands is home to some of the best skaters in the world. From Olympic champions to world-record holders, the Dutch have a long history of producing exceptional skaters.
From the iconic Ireen Wust to the legendary Sven Kramer, the Netherlands has a proud tradition of success in the world of skating. Here, we take a look at some of the best skaters the Netherlands has to offer.
1. Lara Van Ruijven
Lara Victoria van Ruijven was a talented Dutch short track speed skater. She achieved a major success in 2018 when she was part of the Dutch 3000 meters relay team that won a bronze medal at the Winter Olympics.
This was a historic moment for the Netherlands in terms of Olympic success for short track speed skating. One year later, Lara Victoria achieved another major success when she won gold at the World Championships.
This was a huge personal accomplishment for Lara Victoria, and it showed that she was a world-class short track speed skater. She continues to be an inspiration for aspiring athletes who are looking to make their mark in the world of speed skating.
2. Xandra Velzeboer
Xandra Velzeboer is a Dutch short track speed skater who has a remarkable family legacy. Born in the Netherlands, Xandra is the older sister of Michelle Velzeboer, who is also a short track speed skater.
She has made tremendous strides in her career and has built a name for herself in the skating world. In 2020, her younger sister Michelle was able to make history when she won the silver medal in the Girls’ 500m at the Winter Youth Olympics.
This is an accomplishment that Xandra is no doubt proud of and one that she can aspire to achieve in the future.
It is clear that the Velzeboer family have a passion for speed skating and that they are willing to go the extra mile to make sure that their kids are successful in the sport.
With Xandra’s impressive skating accomplishments and Michelle’s incredible success, the Velzeboer family are certainly making their mark on the world of short track speed skating.
3. Sanne Van Kerkhof
Sanne van Kerkhof is a former short track speed skater from the Netherlands. She had the opportunity to compete in two Olympic Games, the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2014 Winter Olympics. In 2010, van Kerkhof was part of the Dutch 3000m relay team that placed fourth.
Four years later in 2014, the team was disqualified in the semifinals and did not advance to the finals. Van Kerkhof’s career started in her native Netherlands, where she was part of the Dutch National Team.
She competed in various international competitions, including the 2010 and 2014 Winter Olympics. In the 2010 Olympics, van Kerkhof was part of the 3000m relay team that placed fourth.
The team was composed of Sanne van Kerkhof, Anneke Luyten, Yara van Kerkhof, and Antoinette de Jong. Unfortunately, four years later in the 2014 Olympics, the team did not have the same luck. During the semifinals, the team was disqualified and eliminated from the competition.
Van Kerkhof and her teammates did not have a chance to medal in the 2014 Olympics. Despite this setback, van Kerkhof has had a successful career in short track speed skating, winning multiple national and international medals.
4. Annita Van Doorn
Annita van Doorn is an impressive Dutch short track speed skater. She has been involved in short track speed skating since 2003 when she made her international debut at the World Championships for teams.
This was a remarkable achievement, as she was the first Dutch short track speed skater to ever win a World Cup distance. Her victory was a huge accomplishment that showed her talent and determination to succeed.
Van Doorn continued to compete in international competitions and achieved further success in her career.
Her impressive achievements include finishing second at the European Championships in Inzell, Germany in 2009, finishing third at the World Championships in Shanghai, China in 2011, and finishing fourth at the Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia in 2014.
The success of Annita van Doorn has earned her recognition and respect in the world of speed skating. She has become an inspiration to many Dutch and international speed skaters, showing that with dedication and commitment, anything is possible.
Van Doorn has also been awarded the title of Dutch Sportsman of the Year in 2014, a testament to her hard work and achievements in the sport. Annita van Doorn is an exemplary athlete, having achieved great success in the sport of short track speed skating.
Her impressive career and achievements have earned her the admiration and respect of many fans and fellow speed skaters, proving that hard work and determination can help anyone reach their goals.
5. Sven Kramer
Sven Kramer is a renowned retired Dutch long track speed skater.
He is recognized for his impressive career in speed skating, which has earned him a host of accolades, including an all-time record of nine World Allround Championships and a record ten European Allround Championships. Kramer’s career began in his youth, where he showed early promise in speed skating.
He quickly rose to the upper echelons of the sport, becoming a five-time world champion in 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2012. He also won the European Allround Championships seven times in a row, from 2005 to 2011.
In 2015, he won his ninth World Allround Championship, a record that has yet to be broken. Kramer’s success in speed skating is remarkable, as he has won both world and European titles in his career.
His nine World Allround Championships is the most of any speed skater, and his ten European Allround Championships is also an unprecedented feat.
He is widely considered to be one of the greatest speed skaters of all time, and his legacy in the sport will likely remain for years to come.
6. Maaike Vos
Maaike Vos is a world-renowned Dutch short track speed skater. She achieved greatness when she competed at the 2010 Winter Olympics for the Netherlands. Vos was a part of the Dutch 3000 metre relay team and they achieved tremendous success.
This team managed to finish third in the semifinals, and won the B Final, giving them an overall fourth place finish.
This remarkable achievement is a testament to the talent and dedication of the Dutch team, as well as Maaike Vos’s incredible skill as a short track speed skater. She continues to be an inspiration to young athletes everywhere.
7. Liesbeth Mau Asam
Liesbeth Mau Asam is a Dutch Short track speed skater who resides in the town of Woubrugge. She is currently in a relationship with Cees Juffermans.
Mau Asam has been active in the sport of short track speed skating since 2006 when she participated in the Winter Olympics in Turin, Italy. Despite her success in the sport, she struggled to qualify for the Games.
Mau Asam worked hard to make it to the Olympics and her determination paid off, as she was ultimately chosen to compete. In Turin, she had a difficult time competing but was determined to make the best out of the experience.
Mau Asam’s efforts were not in vain, as she gained valuable experience from the Olympic Games.
8. Sanneke de Neeling
Sanneke de Neeling is a professional speed skater from the Netherlands. She is a specialist in sprint and middle distances events.
Sanneke de Neeling has achieved a great deal of success in her career so far, including competing at the 2018 Winter Olympics in PyeongChang, South Korea and winning the silver medal at the 2021 World Single Distances Speed Skating Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands.
She has also won multiple Dutch National Speed Skating Championships titles and is the current Dutch National record holder in the 500 meter sprint event.
Sanneke is a dedicated athlete who puts a great deal of focus on her training and preparation in order to stay at the top of her game. She is an inspiration to many aspiring speed skaters and her performances are admired around the world.
9. Jorien ter Mors
Jorien ter Mors is a retired Dutch speed skater who has achieved success in both short track and long track skating.
She made history at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where she won gold in the 1500 meters and team pursuit events, becoming the first Dutch woman to win two gold medals at the same Winter Olympics.
Two years later, she repeated her success at the 2018 Winter Olympics, winning gold in the 1000 meters event. Ter Mors retired from speed skating in 2018, having made an impressive impact on the sport.
10. Thomas Krol
Thomas Krol is a Dutch speed skater who has achieved international success in the 1000m and 1500m distances. Krol began skating at the age of 10 and has since become one of the most successful Dutch speed skaters.
He is a two-time world champion in the 1000m and 1500m, having won gold medals in both events at the 2020 World Single Distances Championships. He is also the current world record holder in the 1000m.
Krol is known for his strong starts and ability to sustain his top speed over the course of the race.
He has become a fan favorite in the Netherlands, where he is often referred to as the “Flying Dutchman.” Krol is still competing today and is currently training for the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.
11. Kees Verkerk
Cornelis Arie “Kees” Verkerk was a Dutch speed skater who competed in the 1960s and 1970s. Born in 1946 in Amsterdam, he was one of the most successful speed skaters of the era.
He won the world all-round speed skating championship in 1969 and 1970 and was a two-time Olympic bronze medalist in the 500 m event in 1968 and 1972. Verkerk was also a four-time European speed skating champion, winning the title in 1965, 1966, 1969, and 1970.
He also had numerous Dutch national titles to his name. In his career, Verkerk set numerous world records in speed skating, including the world record for the 500 m in 1971. He was also a member of the Dutch team that set a world record in the team pursuit event in 1971.
After retiring from competitive speed skating in 1973, Verkerk continued to stay involved in the sport by running a skating school and coaching the Dutch national junior speed skating team. He was inducted into the International Ice Skating Union Hall of Fame in 1998.
12. Marijke Groenewoud
Marijke Groenewoud is a professional Dutch speed skater. She has competed in both long-distance long-track and inline speed skating. She has been a part of two prestigious speed skating teams, Team FrySk and Royal A-ware.
Currently, she is part of Team Zaanlander, a team trained by Jillert Anema. She is a highly accomplished athlete and has achieved success in both long-track and inline-speed skating.
With her dedicated training and hard work, she has become one of the top-speed skaters in the Netherlands. Marijke Groenewoud is an inspiration to many and she continues to strive for excellence in her sport.
13. Letitia de Jong
Letitia de Jong is a retired speed skater from the Netherlands. She was known for her prowess in the sprint distances, which involve short-distance races that require great speed and agility.
During her career, Letitia won several titles and medals both in the Netherlands and internationally. She was a part of the Dutch National Team for many years, competing in the European and World Championships.
She won her first European Championship in 1998, and three years later she earned bronze at the World Championship. In addition to her impressive athletic career, Letitia also has a degree in sports science and coaches young speed skaters.
Letitia de Jong is an inspiration to many, and her accomplishments will be remembered for years to come.
14. Kai Verbij
Kai Verbij is a professional speed skater from The Netherlands. His specialization is in the sprint distances, which require very short bursts of speed and acceleration. His parents are both from different countries; his mother is Japanese, and his father is Dutch.
His mixed heritage has helped him to become a successful athlete in the speed skating world. He has been able to bring the best of both worlds to his training and competitions.
He is able to learn the discipline of the Japanese culture and the passion of his Dutch father to make sure he is successful in his sport. He is an example of how a diverse background can help someone excel in their chosen field.
15. Jorrit Bergsma
Jacob Jorrit Bergsma is an accomplished speed and marathon skater from the Netherlands. He is best known for his impressive performance at the 2014 Winter Olympics, where he won the gold medal in the 10,000 m event.
His extraordinary skill and determination have been attributed to his coach, Jillert Anema, who has been a source of motivation and guidance throughout his career. Bergsma’s gold medal win at the 2014 Winter Olympics was a huge milestone in his career, as it was his first Olympic medal and one of the highest honors in the world of speed and marathon skating.
His coach, Anema, has been credited with helping him hone his skills and develop the mental strength necessary to succeed in such a competitive event.
Anema has been an integral part of Bergsma’s success, providing him with the support and guidance he needs to reach his goals. Since his gold medal win in 2014, Bergsma has continued to excel in his sport and has won numerous other awards and honors.
He has become an inspiration to many aspiring speed skaters and marathon skaters around the world, proving that hard work and dedication can lead to great success.
His coach, Anema, has been with him every step of the way, providing the motivation and guidance necessary to help him reach his goals.
16. Kees Broekman
Cornelis “Kees” Broekman was a Dutch speed skater who achieved Olympic success at the 1952 Olympics in Oslo. He was the first Dutch athlete to medal in a Winter Olympic event, earning silver medals in both the 5000 meter and the 10000 meter races.
His success was a historic milestone for the Netherlands, as it marked the country’s first ever Winter Olympic medals. Broekman’s performance in Oslo was a remarkable achievement, especially given his background as a speed skater.
He had been skating competitively for many years before the Olympics, and his commitment and dedication to the sport had finally paid off with his silver medal finishes.
His accomplishments were celebrated both nationally and internationally, and he was deemed a hero in his native country. Not only did Broekman’s success at the 1952 Olympics bring attention to Dutch speed skating, it also set the stage for future Olympic success in the event.
His silver medal finishes encouraged other Dutch athletes to take up the sport, and the Netherlands went on to become a winter sports powerhouse.
In subsequent Winter Olympic Games, the nation has earned multiple gold medals in speed skating, including a gold and bronze medal in the 10000 meter at the 2014 Sochi Olympics. Overall, Cornelis “Kees” Broekman was an inspirational figure in Dutch speed skating.
His achievements at the 1952 Oslo Olympics are still remembered and celebrated to this day and have helped set the stage for future Dutch Olympic success.
17. Wim van der Voort
Willem “Wim” van der Voort was a Dutch speed skater who represented his country in the 1952 Winter Olympics in Oslo. He achieved remarkable success, winning the silver medal in the men’s 1500 meter event.
Van der Voort finished just 0.2 seconds behind Hjalmar Andersen of Norway, who went on to become the gold medalist. Despite the small margin between the two athletes, Van der Voort’s performance was impressive and showed his dedication to the sport.
He was an inspiration to other Dutch speed skaters and helped to raise the profile of the sport in the Netherlands.
Van der Voort’s performance at the 1952 Olympics was a testament to his hard work, determination, and skill, and it will remain an example of what can be achieved through dedication and commitment.
18. Stefan Groothuis
Stefan Groothuis is a Dutch retired speed skater who achieved remarkable success during his career in the sport. He was the World Sprint Champion in 2012 and the gold medal winner in the 1000 meters at the 2014 Winter Olympics.
Groothuis’ accomplishments were made even more impressive due to the fact that he was competing in a sport that is very popular in the Netherlands.
His success was a great source of pride for the country, as he was able to represent them on the world stage and win several prestigious championships and awards. Groothuis was a top performer in speed skating and was able to compete at the highest level for many years.
His determination and hard work were rewarded with the greatest honour that a speed skater can achieve – gold at the Winter Olympics. Groothuis was able to reach the pinnacle of the sport and will be remembered as one of the greatest speed skaters of all time.
19. Ard Schenk
Adrianus “Ard” Schenk is a celebrated speed skater from the Netherlands.
He is considered to be one of the greatest speed skaters in history and is remembered for his incredible achievements in the sport. Schenk’s first Olympic success came in 1968 when he won a silver medal at the Winter Olympics in Grenoble, France.
This was an incredible accomplishment for him at the time, and it propelled him to fame and recognition in the speed skating world.
He went on to win several other medals at other Olympic Games and World Championships, cementing his place as one of the all-time greats of the sport. His success has been a source of inspiration to many aspiring speed skaters in the Netherlands and around the world.
He has been a role model for many athletes, showing them the dedication and commitment required to succeed in the sport. His legacy lives on to this day, and he is fondly remembered by speed skating fans all over the world.
20. Erben Wennemars
Egbert Rolf “Erben” Wennemars is a Dutch former speed skater who was especially talented in the sprint and middle distances of 500, 1000, and 1500 meters. During his career, he demonstrated his skill by setting a total of six world records.
He was considered one of the most celebrated speed skaters in his native Netherlands and was even dubbed the “flying Dutchman” by the media. Wennemars began his career as a teenager and quickly rose to become one of the top contenders in the speed skating world.
He won several national and international competitions and was a multiple medalist at both the World Allround Speed Skating Championship and the European Allround Speed Skating Championship. He also won gold medals at the 2003 and 2006 Winter Olympics.
Throughout his career, Wennemars set six world records in the 500, 1000, and 1500-meter distances. He set a world record in the 500m in 2001, and a world record in the 1000m in 2002.
He then went on to set a world record in the 1500m in 2003, followed by a world record in the 1000m in 2004. In 2006, he set a world record in the 500m, and finally in 2007, he set a world record in the 1500m.
Egbert Rolf “Erben” Wennemars was an incredibly talented speed skater who pushed the limits of the sport. He was an inspiration to many, and his six world records remain a testament to his skill and determination.
21. Stien Kaiser
Christina Wilhelmina Baas-Kaiser was a Dutch athlete who specialized in speed skating. She was born in the Netherlands in 1923 and as a child, she showed great potential in the sport. During her career, she achieved great success in the sport.
She won several national titles in the Netherlands and was named the Dutch National Champion for five consecutive years, from 1948 to 1952. She also competed in international competitions, such as the 1952 Winter Olympics, where she finished 10th in the 1000m event.
Her success in the sport earned her a place in the Speed Skating Hall of Fame in the Netherlands. She was the first woman to be inducted and was honored for her contribution to the sport.
In addition to her competitive career, Baas-Kaiser also served as a coach, helping to train the next generation of Dutch speed skaters. She was an inspiring figure for many aspiring athletes, and her legacy in the sport is still remembered today.
22. Carry Geijssen
Carolina Cornelia Catharina Geijssen is a highly accomplished former speed skater from the Netherlands. She made her mark in the world of speed skating in 1965 when she won the silver medal at the Dutch Allround Championships.
This impressive accomplishment was only the beginning of Geijssen’s success in the sport, as she went on to win the Dutch Allround Championship in 1966.
Geijssen’s victory at the Dutch Allround Championship demonstrated her remarkable skills as a speed skater, as well as her dedication to the sport. She is an inspiring example of what can be achieved through hard work and determination.
23. Atje Keulen-Deelstra
Atje Keulen-Deelstra was a Dutch speed skater, who achieved remarkable success during her career. She was a four-time World Allround Champion, having won the title between the age of 32 and 36.
This feat is even more impressive when considering the fact that she was in her 30s at the time, and competing against much younger skaters.
Atje’s determination and strength earned her the respect of her fellow competitors and fans alike. Her success was not limited to the world championships, however. Atje was a highly decorated skater, having earned numerous medals over the course of her career.
At the 1936 Winter Olympics, she won the gold medal in the 3000m event, as well as a silver and bronze in the 1500m and 500m events, respectively.
Atje was also successful in the European Championships, winning three gold medals, two silver medals, and one bronze medal over the course of her career. Atje Keulen-Deelstra was a truly remarkable athlete, and her accomplishments are an inspiration to all.
She was a pioneer for women’s speed skating, and her record of four World Allround Championships is a testament to her skill and dedication. Her success is a reminder that age is nothing but a number and that with hard work and determination, anything is possible.
24. Daan Breeuwsma
Daan Breeuwsma is a professional male short-track speed-skater from the Netherlands. He is a part of the Dutch National Short Track Speed Skating Team and has been since a young age. His partner is fellow short-track speed skater Rianne de Vries.
Rianne is also part of the Dutch National Short Track Speed Skating Team, and the two have been competing together for many years. In 2014, both Daan and Rianne were part of the Dutch team that participated in the Winter Olympics.
This is a remarkable achievement, and Daan and Rianne have both gone on to become successful professional speed-skaters. They have both seen success on the international stage and continue to strive for excellence in the sport.
25. Danielle Molendijk
Danielle Molendijk is a former Dutch short track speed skater who achieved significant success in her sport. She had a successful career at the European Championships, winning bronze and silver medals in the relay events.
In 1999, she was part of the Dutch relay team that won a bronze medal, and two years later, in 2001, the same team won a silver medal.
This made her one of the most successful Dutch skaters of her generation. Molendijk was a highly talented skater who was able to reach the podium on multiple occasions. Her success at the European Championships is a testament to her skill and dedication to the sport.
Her two medals, in addition to her other achievements, make her an important part of Dutch speed skating history. Her legacy will continue to inspire new generations of skaters to strive for success.
26. Daniëlle Bekkering
Daniëlle Bekkering is an impressive multi-sport athlete from the Netherlands. She is a professional marathon speed skater, short track speed skater, and cyclist who currently resides in Den Ham.
Bekkering is known by some of her nicknames, including “Beeks,” “Daantje,” and “Dikkie Dik.” In addition to her impressive athletic career, she also has a sister who is a cyclist. Bekkering began her speed skating career at the age of nine in 1986.
Since then, she has gone on to become a highly successful athlete, competing in a variety of disciplines.
Her impressive list of accomplishments include winning multiple Dutch championships in both marathon and short track speed skating, as well as becoming a Dutch National Champion in cycling. Throughout her career, Daniëlle Bekkering has been an inspiration to many people.
She has demonstrated that it is possible to be successful in more than one sport and that it is possible to reach great heights in athletics. Her story serves as an example of how dedication and hard work can lead to success.
27. Patrick Roest
Patrick Roest is a highly accomplished Dutch speed skater who has won the World Allround Speed Skating Championships three times. This is an impressive feat considering the amount of talent in the sport and the number of skaters competing.
Roest is the leader of the Adelskalender, an all-time ranking of skaters’ personal bests. He is a member of the commercial team of Team Reggeborgh, and this team supports him in his speed skating endeavors.
They provide him with the necessary resources to stay at the top of the sport and to continue to win championships. This team is a great example of how dedication and hard work can pay off and help one strive for success.
Roest is a testament to this and is an inspiration for all aspiring speed skaters out there.
28. Ireen Wüst
Irene Karlijn Wüst is a Dutch former long track speed skater of German descent. She is widely regarded as one of the greatest speed skaters of all time, having achieved an unprecedented level of success in the Olympic Games.
Wüst is the first and only athlete to have won gold medals in five consecutive Winter Olympic appearances.
She won her first gold medal in the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympics and went on to win additional gold medals in the 2006 Torino, 2010 Vancouver, 2014 Sochi, and 2018 PyeongChang Games.
In total, Wüst has won 11 Olympic medals in her long career, making her the most successful speed skating Olympian ever. Throughout her career, Wüst has been a major force at the World Allround Speed Skating Championships, winning four titles in 2003, 2005, 2009, and 2013.
In addition to her Olympic and World Allround titles, she is a ten-time world champion, having won both the World Sprint Speed Skating Championship and the European Allround Speed Skating Championship in 2008.
She has also won an impressive 38 medals at the World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships. Wüst is a true inspiration for aspiring speed skaters of all ages and backgrounds.
She has achieved unprecedented success with her hard work, dedication, and commitment to her craft. Her success is a testament to the power of determination and perseverance, and she serves as an example of what can be achieved with dedication and hard work.
29. Irene Schouten
Irene Schouten is a renowned speed skater from the Netherlands. She competes in both short track and long track speed skating, as well as in inline-skating events.
She has achieved remarkable success in her career, including becoming a five-time Olympic medalist and a triple Olympic Champion. Her success was most recently celebrated at the 2022 Beijing Games, when she won gold medals in the 3,000m, 5,000m, and mass start events.
With these victories, Irene Schouten holds the Olympic records in both distances. She is truly an inspiration to aspiring speed skaters around the world.
30. Kjeld Nuis
Kjeld Nuis is a Dutch speed skater who specializes in middle distances of 1000 and 1500 meters. He has had impressive success in the Olympics, having won gold medals at both the 1000 and 1500 meter events during the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang.
He was able to successfully defend his gold medal in the 1500 meter event at the 2022 Winter Olympics, making him a two-time Olympic champion in this event. This is an incredible achievement, and Nuis has established himself as a force to be reckoned with on the world stage.
He has proven that he can handle the pressure of performing in the Olympics, and his accomplishments have earned him a great deal of respect in the speed skating community.
31. Sjoukje Dijkstra
Sjoukje Rosalinde Dijkstra is a renowned Dutch former competitive figure skater. She is best known for her incredible success in the sport and was the first female figure skater from the Netherlands to win an Olympic medal.
In 1964, she won the gold medal in the ladies’ singles category at the Winter Olympics in Innsbruck, Austria, making her the first female Dutch athlete to take home the gold.
In addition, she also won the silver medal in the same category at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley, California. Her impressive career included three World Championship titles, five European Championship titles, and six Dutch National Championship titles.
She was also the first Dutch figure skater to win a medal in the World Championships when she took home the bronze in 1960.
Her success in the sport was not limited to these competitions; she was a six-time winner of the prestigious Dutch Television Skating Gala and was named Dutch Sportswoman of the Year in 1964.
An iconic figure in the history of figure skating, Sjoukje Rosalinde Dijkstra was inducted into the World Figure Skating Hall of Fame in 1993. Her legacy of excellence continues to inspire generations of figure skaters around the world.
32. Anke Jannie Landman
Anke Jannie Landman is a Dutch short track speed skater who has competed in the Winter Olympics on two separate occasions. At the 1994 Winter Olympics in Lillehammer, Norway, she represented the Netherlands in the 1500 and 3000 meter events.
Landman narrowly missed out on a medal, finishing fourth in the 1500 meter and fifth in the 3000 meter. Four years later, she returned to the Winter Olympics in Nagano, Japan.
Landman competed in the same events, as well as the 500 meter event, but was again unable to win a medal. Despite not winning any medals, she still has the distinction of being one of only a handful of Dutch short track speed skaters to have competed in the Winter Olympics.
33. Jutta Leerdam
Jutta Leerdam is a world-renowned Dutch speed skater who has made a name for herself in the field of sprint events. She was born and raised in the Netherlands, a country renowned for its speed skating talent.
Leerdam began her career as a speed skater at a young age and quickly rose to the top of the sport. She has competed in numerous international competitions, including the 2018 Winter Olympics in Pyeongchang, South Korea, where she reached the quarterfinals in the 1,000 meters.
She has also won several medals at the World Single Distance Speed Skating Championships, including a bronze medal in the 500 meters in 2017.
Leerdam is known for her explosive power and impressive technique on the ice, which has helped her to become one of the top speed skaters in the world. She is an inspiration to many young athletes who aspire to reach the same heights she has achieved.
34. Daria Danilova
Daria Danilova is a Russian-born figure skater who competes for the Netherlands. She is a highly accomplished skater, having achieved multiple successes in her career.
With her skating partner Michel Tsiba, Danilova is the 2020 Dutch national champion and the 2020 NRW Trophy bronze medalist.
This is a major accomplishment for both skaters, as they have managed to achieve the second-highest rank at one of the country’s most prestigious skating competitions. The path to this success has not been easy.
Danilova and Tsiba have been skating together for a few years, but it was only recently that they have been able to take their performance to the next level. The two have worked hard to hone their skills and refine their technique, and it has paid off.
The pair has achieved a high degree of success, and they are now considered to be among the best Dutch figure skaters. Danilova and Tsiba have quickly become a highly regarded figure skating team in the Netherlands, and their success is likely to continue.
As the two continue to work hard and refine their skating, they will likely rise even higher in the rankings. For now, they can celebrate their accomplishments and look forward to more success in the future.
35. Michel Tsiba
Michel Tsiba is a Dutch pair skater who achieved a great deal of success with his skating partner, Daria Danilova. Together, they are the 2020 Dutch national champions and the 2020 NRW Trophy bronze medalists.
Their impressive performance has allowed them to qualify for the 2020 European Championships and become the first Dutch pair to qualify for the World Championships.
This is a significant milestone for the Dutch skating community and a testament to the hard work and dedication of Michel and Daria.
Their impressive accomplishments have earned them the respect of their peers and opened the door for more Dutch pair skaters to compete at the highest level.
36. Dmitry Epstein
Dmitry Epstein is a Dutch pair skater who has achieved great success in his career. He and his skating partner, Nika Osipova, have won four senior international medals together. Prior to his partnership with Nika, Dmitry had skated with his twin sister, Rachel.
The two skaters competed at three consecutive World Junior Championships, demonstrating their impressive talent and dedication to the sport.
Dmitry’s success is a testament to his hard work and dedication to pair skating, and his accomplishments are a source of pride for the Dutch skating community.
37. Lindsay van Zundert
Lindsay van Zundert is a talented figure skater from the Netherlands. She recently won the 2021 Celje Open, an international event that brings together some of the best skaters from around the world. In 2020, she won the NRW Trophy, another important international competition.
Additionally, she has been crowned the Dutch national champion three times. This is an impressive accomplishment for a figure skater, and it shows that she has the skill and determination to compete with the best in the world.
Lindsay van Zundert has proven to be a successful athlete, and she is sure to continue to impress in the future.
38. Elma de Vries
Elma de Vries is an accomplished Dutch speed skater. She competes in both marathon speed skating and inline skating. Elma is highly successful in her respective sports, having earned multiple medals in both disciplines.
Her achievements have made her a household name in the Netherlands. Elma is the older sister of fellow marathon speed skater Bob de Vries. Bob has achieved many of the same successes as Elma, with the two siblings often competing against each other.
The pair have been a force to be reckoned with on the speed skating circuit, and their success has served as an inspiration for aspiring speed skaters in the Netherlands. The de Vries siblings have helped to further the popularity of speed skating in their home country.
Their influence on the sport has been immeasurable, with many people citing them as their motivation to pursue speed skating as a passion or hobby. Elma and Bob have also opened the door for other Dutch speed skaters to gain recognition and success.
Overall, Elma and Bob de Vries are two of the most important figures in Dutch speed skating. Their accomplishments have earned them a place in the hearts of many speed skating fans in the Netherlands, and their legacy will surely continue to inspire skaters for years to come.
39. Nika Osipova
Nika Kirillovna Osipova is a Russian-born pair skater who is currently competing for the Netherlands with her partner Dmitry Epstein.
The pair made their competitive debut in February 2021, having previously represented Russia as a junior pair during the 2016-2017 skating season, with Osipova’s partner then being Aleksandr Galliamov.
Osipova and Galliamov achieved notable successes in their time together, such as a gold medal at the 2017 Russian Junior Championships.
Following their split, Osipova and Epstein have since been training in the Netherlands and made their competitive debut in February 2021 at the Dutch Junior Championships.
Since then, they have been steadily progressing, and have set their sights on making their international debut in the 2021-2022 season.
Conclusion
The Netherlands has some of the best skating players in the world. From experienced veterans to young up-and-comers, there is a lot of talent to choose from.
Whether you are looking for speed skaters, short trackers, or figure skaters, you are sure to find a great talent in the Netherlands.
With strong support from the government and the Dutch people, the Netherlands is set to remain a powerhouse in the world of skating for many years to come.
