Jan Bols

Initially, Jan Bols skated in the shadow of Dutch stars Ard Schenk and Kees Verkerk. In 1971, he won the Dutch Championships, and was favoured for the European title. He was on his way to a 1st place after the first day, but was disqualified in the 5000 m for forgetting to change lanes. This caused quite a commotion, the Dutch crowd being displeased because Bols actually skated an additional outer curve. Bols’ best season came in 1972, when he placed third in both the European and World Championships. He joined the ill-fated professional skating league in 1973 and 1974, retiring after the league folded. He then set up a sporting goods store in his native Hoogeveen.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.4 (1972); 1000 – 1:20.4 (1971); 1500 – 2:01.60 (1972); 5000 – 7:10.7 (1972); 10000 – 15:10.2 (1972).