Erben Wennemars is a renowned Dutch former speed skater, born on November 1, 1975, in Dalfsen, Netherlands.
Known fully as Egbert Rolf “Erben” Wennemars, he specialized in the sprint and middle distances, particularly the 500m, 1000m, and 1500m events.
He became one of the prominent figures in Dutch speed skating during the 2000s, celebrated for his explosive power, technical innovation, such as his early adoption of clap skates, and consistent performances on the international stage.
After retiring from professional competition in 2010, he transitioned into roles as a television presenter, analyst, and entrepreneur while remaining connected to the sport through his family.
Siblings
Erben has one known sibling, his younger brother Freddy Wennemars.
Freddy also pursued speed skating, competing at a national level in the Netherlands.
The brothers grew up in a supportive family environment in rural Dalfsen, where their shared interest in the sport fostered friendly competition and mutual encouragement.
Career
Wennemars rose to prominence in the late 1990s, notably in 1997 when he became the first skater to break the 1:50 barrier in the 1500m using clap skates, though it was not officially recognized as a world record at the time.
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He quickly established himself as a top sprinter and middle-distance specialist.
Over the years, he competed in multiple Olympic Games, including Nagano 1998, Salt Lake City 2002, and Turin 2006.
His career featured strong showings in World Cup events, where he secured 27 race victories across various distances and team pursuit, along with multiple season titles in the 1000m (four times between 2003 and 2007) and 1500m (once in 2007).
He was a frequent contender at world championships and national events, amassing 13 Dutch national titles across sprint, 500m, 1000m, and 1500m categories.
After failing to qualify for the 2010 Vancouver Olympics, he retired from elite competition but later made occasional returns, including to marathon skating.
Accolades
Wennemars won two bronze medals at the 2006 Turin Winter Olympics in the 1000m and team pursuit events.
At the World Single Distance Championships, he collected six gold medals, two silver, and three bronze across various distances and team pursuits (including golds in 1000m, 1500m, and team pursuit multiple times between 2003 and 2008).
He claimed back-to-back World Sprint Championships titles in 2004 and 2005.
Additionally, he set six world records, including marks in small combination, team pursuit, and the 1500m.
His dominance earned him the title of Dutch Sportsman of the Year in 2003, Dutch Skater of the Year in 2003, 2004, and 2005, and other honors such as the Ard Schenk Award multiple times.
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