Gerard Kemkers

Gerard Kemkers ( born March 8, 1967 in Groningen ) is a Dutch speed skating coach and former speed skater, who celebrated his greatest successes on routes of 1,500 m and 5,000 m.

Career as a player

Kemkers first appeared in 1986 in an international publication when he finished 4th in the all-around world championship. In 1988 he won at the Olympic Winter Games in Calgary compete over 5,000 m bronze medal. Gold won by his countryman and training mate Leo Visser. The year 1989 was successful for Kemkers. He won the silver medal in both the all-around European Championship as well as the all-around world championship. He also won the World Cup individual competition on the 1,500 -meter distance. After the 1990/91 season Kemkers ended his active career.

Career as a coach

In the TVM team funded by a Dutch insurance company Kemkers could have great success as a coach. His team included since the 2005/ 06 season, among other things Sven Kramer and Ireen Wüst, which he led for all-around World Champion and European Champion title in each case. On 21 December 2006 Kemkers became the " Dutch Coach of the Year 2006" at a conference organized by the Dutch broadcaster NOS vote. International attention Kemkers at the Olympic Winter Games 2010 in Vancouver. After his proteges Sven Kramer and Ireen Wüst had already won the 5,000 m and 1,500 m gold medal, Kemkers underwent the 10,000 m race Kramers a serious mistake. At about 6,600 m, it dismissed the underlying gold medal course Kramer to switch on the inside lane, when it should have run, which led to disqualification Kramer on the winger. After Kramer had expressed initially wanting to continue training despite the error of his coach with this, he declared in early March 2010 that he wanted to end the cooperation with Kemkers after the 2010 season.