Nico Olsthoorn

Nico Olsthoorn competed in four Dutch speed skating championships (best result: 4th in 1954) in a time when these were held irregularly due to dependence on weather. He only once qualified for international championships, the 1956 Olympics in Cortina (held at Lake Misurina), where he was picked for the 1,500 m. He placed an anonymous 49th. After the Games, Nico Olsthoorn decided to leave competitive speed skating and focus completely on his horticultural business. He remained involved in speed skating as an official and coach of the local skating club. After his professional retirement, Olsthoorn returned to compete in various World Championships for Masters (seniors), winning age category titles in 1997, 1998, 2003 and 2004.

Personal Bests: 500 – 45.0 (1953); 1000 – 1:35.0 (1956); 1500 – 2:19.5 (1953); 5000 – 8:38.6 (1956); 10000 – 19:27.8 (1951).