Sven Kramer

Sven Kramer, born on April 23, 1986, is a retired Dutch long track speed skater and sport cyclist, renowned for his extraordinary achievements in the world of speed skating. He holds the remarkable distinction of winning an all-time record of nine World Allround Championships and ten European Allround Championships, showcasing his dominance in the sport.

As an Olympic champion, Kramer triumphed in the 5000 meters at the Vancouver 2010, Sochi 2014, and Pyeongchang 2018 Olympics. His impressive tally includes a record twenty-one gold medals at the World Single Distance Championships, with eight in the 5000 meters, five in the 10,000 meters, and eight in the team pursuit. His prowess was further highlighted when he was part of the team that held the world record in the team pursuit.

Kramer made history by becoming the first speed skater to win four consecutive World Allround Championships and eight consecutive international allround championships. His remarkable streak of being undefeated in eighteen international allround championships from the 2006/2007 season to the 2016/2017 season solidified his legacy in the sport.

In addition to his competitive achievements, Kramer extended his contract with the Jumbo-Visma speed skating team until the 2022 Winter Olympics, demonstrating his commitment to the sport. However, on October 28, 2021, it was announced that he would retire in 2022, marking the end of an illustrious career.