Rintje Ritsma

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexMale
Full nameRobert Rintje•Ritsma
Used nameRintje•Ritsma
Nick/petnamesDe Beer van Lemmer
Born13 April 1970 in Lemmer, Friesland (NED)
Measurements190 cm / 92 kg
AffiliationsTrainingsgroep De Preamkeskouwers
NOC Netherlands
Medals OG
Gold 0
Silver 2
Bronze 4
Total 6

Biography

Although an Olympic gold medal has eluded Rintje Ritsma, he is definitely one of the all time speed skating greats. In his long career, he won the World Allround Championships four times (1995, 1996, 1999, 2001) and won a record six European titles (1994-1996, 1998-2000). In addition, he has won two World distance titles (both in 1997) and six Olympic medals between 1994 and 2006. He broke the World Record in the 1500 m twice, becoming both the first man to go faster than 1:52 and 1:49. In 1996, Ritsma caused a revolution in Dutch speed skating by starting the first professional skating team. His move caused a shift in skating, with all Dutch skaters now being employed by commercial teams rather than the national federation. Ritsma’s career was often thought to have come to an end, for example when he missed qualification for the 2001 World Championships. When illness of a team mate allowed him to compete after all, he took first place - his last international title. He also surprised critics by qualifying for the 2002 and 2006 Olympics, winning a team pursuit bronze in Torino. He finally did announce his retirement in September 2008.

Personal Bests: 500 – 35.90 (1999); 1000 – 1:10.19 (1999); 1500 – 1:45.86 (2002); 5000 – 6:20.26 (2006); 10000 – 13:28.19 (1998).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1992 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NED Rintje Ritsma
500 metres, Men (Olympic) =27
1,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 12
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 4
1994 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NED Rintje Ritsma
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 7
1998 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NED Rintje Ritsma
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
5,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 2 Silver
10,000 metres, Men (Olympic) 3 Bronze
2002 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NED Rintje Ritsma
1,500 metres, Men (Olympic) 9
2006 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) NED Rintje Ritsma
Team Pursuit (8 laps), Men (Olympic) Netherlands 3 Bronze

Olympic Records

Records may have been broken subsequently during the same competition.
Games Date Sport Event Phase Mark Pos
1998 Winter Olympics 8 February 1998 Speed Skating (Skating) 5,000 metres, Men Final Standings 6:28.24 WR 2
2006 Winter Olympics 15 February 2006 Speed Skating (Skating) Team Pursuit (8 laps), Men Qualifying Round 3:48.02 3

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1994 Winter Olympics Flagbearer at the Closing Ceremony NED Rintje Ritsma
2006 Winter Olympics Flagbearer at the Closing Ceremony NED Rintje Ritsma

Special Notes