Jochem Uytdehaage

After several years among the best Dutch skaters, Jochem Uytdehaage finally broke through in 2001, winning the Dutch allround title and being allowed to skate in international competition. The next season, he won all the major titles. Starting with the European title in January, he became the speed skating star of the 2002 Olympics, winning a silver in the 1,500 m and two gold medals in the longest distances, both in world record times, with his winning time on the 10,000 m the first ever below 13 minutes. He closed out the season by winning the World Allround Championships with a world record points total. Uytdehaage would not be as dominant again, nevertheless capturing two more titles, the 2003 5,000 m World Championships and the 2005 European Allround title. Uytdehaage failed to qualify for the 2006 Games, and retired the following season. In addition to his international titles, Uytdehaage has won two Dutch allround titles, two Dutch 10k championships and three World Cup races (5000 m and team pursuit). He has since established the Sporttop foundation, which mentors young athletes.

Personal Bests: 500 – 36.27 (2005); 1000 – 1:11.36 (2001); 1500 – 1:44.57 (2002); 3000 – 3:43.28 (2001); 5000 – 6:14.66 (2002); 10000 – 12:58.92 (2002).