The gold medal winners among the Dutch speed skaters were awarded the royal Order of Orange-Nassau for their efforts at the Winter Olympics during a reception on Tuesday.

The Knight in the Order was awarded by health minister Edith Schippers to Jorien ter Mors, Marrit Leenstra and Lotte van Beek of the women’s team. Ireen Wüst, who won a record five gold and silver medals, had already received her award and was given a special statuette entitled Chapeau – meaning Hats Off.

From the men’s team Jan Blokhuijsen, Koen Verwij, Michel Mulder, Stefan Groothuis and Jorrit Bergsman were all made Knights in the Order. Sven Kramer, like Wüst, had already received his award and was given the statuette.

The reception on Tuesday afternoon was held in the Ridderzaal in The Hague and hosted by prime minister Mark Rutte. He told the assembled skaters: ‘For four years you have given up everything to train for this event. I know for sure you have inspired our young people.’