Six out of eight: Dutch women dominate speed skating gold medals
The Dutch squad has finished this year’s World Distance Speed Skating Championships with a clear lead in the medals table, taking eight gold, six silver, and four bronze medals.
The Dutch women in particular dominated their events at Hamar in Norway, winning gold in six out of eight races, and picking up three silver and three bronze as well.
On Sunday, Joy Beune won her third gold medal of the championships in the 1,500 metres. Teammate Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong took silver, while Han Mei of China won bronze.
“This was my dream and it became a reality,” Beune told broadcaster NOS after the race. “You have to peak at the right time, and I did.”
Marijke Groenewoud also took her third world title in the mass start, having won five out of six mass start races in this World Cup season as well
Marijke Groenewoud sweeps the season, winning 5 out of 6 Mass Start races during World Cup season and taking the gold medal at ISU World Speed Skating Single Distances Championship! 😤 👊 #WorldSpeed #SpeedSkating pic.twitter.com/BWWEZgPL1H
— ISU Speed Skating (@ISU_Speed) March 16, 2025
The men’s team won two gold medals through Jenning de Boo’s surprise victory in the 500 metres and Joep Wennemars’ 1,000 metres victory on Saturday, replicating his father Erben’s win 21 years ago. De Boo took silver in that event, with Jordan Stolz claiming bronze.
“I carry that name since I was a kid,” Wennemars told the International Skating Union website after the race. “It’s got disadvantages, but just a little more advantages. My father is my biggest ally. He knows exactly what this means to me and vice versa.”
Like father, like son! 20 years after Erben Wennemars won the 1000m world title, Joep Wennemars claims the gold medal at the World Championships! 🏆🇳🇱 #WorldSpeed #SpeedSkating pic.twitter.com/WjxqraMPGa
— ISU Speed Skating (@ISU_Speed) March 15, 2025
There was disappointment for the men’s team in the 5,000 and 10,000 metres, with Beau Snellink’s silver in the 5,000 the only Dutch medal in the two events, which the Dutch have dominated in the past.
The men also picked up silver in the team sprint and bronze in the team pursuit.
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