Ard Schenk

Adrianus " Ard " Schenk ( born September 16, 1944 in Anna Pavlovna, North Holland ) is a retired Dutch speed skater. With three wins and three Olympic titles in the all-around world championships, he is one of the most successful skaters in history.

Career

After winning two bronze medals and two silver medals at the World Championships all-around Ard Schenk in 1970 was in Oslo for the first time world champion in the all around. He defended this title the following year in Gothenburg and repeated the title win also in 1972 in Oslo. During his last triumph Schenk won even as the first skater since 1912, on all four distances.

In the years 1966, 1970 and 1972 Schenk was all-around European Champion.

At the 1968 Olympic Games in Grenoble, he won his first Olympic medal with silver over 1500 meters. Four years later, Schenk won in Sapporo on three out of four routes. He was Olympic champion in the 1500 meters, 5000 meters and 10,000 meters. Only in the 500 - meter race, the Dutchman could not achieve a medal after a crash.

Following the 1972 Winter Olympics Schenk became a professional. After his retirement he became a member of the Technical Committee of the division speed skating at the International Skating Union.

Ard Schenk presented during his career at 18 world records, more than any male skater in history. In 1972, he held all the world records with the exception of 500 meters. As the first speed skater he ran the 10,000 meters under 15 minutes and the 1500 meters in less than two minutes.

Schenk led the Peerage 1966-1976 on for six years and 58 days. Its maximum value was 166.241 points.

In the years 1970-1972 Schenk was awarded the Oscar Mathisen Memorial Trophy. 1966, 1970, 1971 and 1972 he was voted Sportsman of the Year in the Netherlands.

Personal Best

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