Ireen Wüst

Ireen Wüst, born on April 1, 1986, is a distinguished Dutch former long track speed skater who has left an indelible mark on the world of winter sports. Her remarkable career is highlighted by her unprecedented achievement of winning at least one gold medal in each of her five consecutive Winter Olympic appearances, making her the most successful speed skating Olympian in history.

Wüst's Olympic journey began at the tender age of nineteen when she clinched her first gold medal in the 3000 metre event at the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. She continued to excel, securing the gold in the 1500 metre event at the 2010 Winter Olympics. Her performance at the 2014 Sochi Games was nothing short of extraordinary, as she became the most decorated athlete of those Games, winning two gold and three silver medals.

In 2022, Wüst further solidified her legacy by winning her record sixth gold medal in the 1500 metres and a bronze in the team pursuit event, bringing her total Olympic medal count to thirteen—more than any other speed skater. This remarkable feat also makes her the most successful athlete from the Netherlands in Olympic history.

Beyond her Olympic success, Wüst is a seven-time world allround champion, a fifteen-time world single distance champion, and a five-time European allround champion. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to sports, she was named the Sportswoman of the World by Reuters in 2014.