Gerard Kemkers had a brief but successful skating career, which was cut short by a chronic foot injury. Somewhat overshadowed by his team mate Leo Visser, Kemkers collected numerous medals, but few titles. At the 1988 Olympics, he won bronze in the 5000 m, and seemed heading for a second medal in the 10k. A fall cost him precious seconds, and he finished in 5th place. In 1989, he came second at both the World and European Championships, both times behind Visser. He competed five times in the Dutch Allround championships (1986-1990), winning the silver medal on each occasion. He also won two Dutch distance titles in the 5000 m, and took a single World Cup victory in the 1500 m (1989). After being forced to retire, Kemkers became a coach. After leading the US team for four years, he became head coach of the Dutch national team after the 1998 Olympics, continuing with many of his skaters with the TVM commercial team in 2002. During this period, he has coached many skaters to Olympic, World and European titles, including Jochem Uytdehaage, Renate Groenewold, Sven Kramer and Ireen Wüst. In 2006, he was named Dutch sports coach of the year.
Personal Bests: 500 – 38.30 (1988); 1000 – 1:15.85 (1990); 1500 – 1:56.13 (1990); 5000 – 6:45.92 (1988); 10000 – 14:03.90 (1988).
Netherlands