Dianne Holum

Biographical information

RolesCompeted in Olympic Games • Other
SexFemale
Full nameDianne Mary•Holum
Used nameDianne•Holum
Born19 May 1951 in Chicago, Illinois (USA)
Measurements167 cm / 56 kg
AffiliationsNorthbrook Speedskating Club, Northbrook (USA)
NOC United States
Medals OG
Gold 1
Silver 2
Bronze 1
Total 4

Biography

In 1966, Dianne Holum became the youngest person to ever compete in the World Championships. It was the start of a distinguished speed skating career which saw her win more medals than any U.S. woman in Winter Games history. The 1967 Worlds were the first top international finish for Holum, as she finished third overall. She went on to win two medals at the 1968 Games, and in the interval between Olympics, became less of a sprinter and more of a distance skater. In 1970 and 1971 she was fourth in the Worlds overall, winning the 1,000 meters in 1971. She also had two top 10 finishes at the World Sprints. In 1972 she finally got a gold medal and added a fourth medal with a second place in the Olympic 3,000 meters. After retiring as a competitor, Dianne Holum became a well-known coach. At the 1976 Olympics, she became the first woman to coach the women speed skaters. She numbered among her many pupils two kids from Madison, Wisconsin, named Eric and Beth Heiden.

Personal Bests: 500 – 43.59 (1972); 1000 – 1:28.7 (1972); 1500 – 2:18.51 (1972); 3000 – 4:57.9 (1972).

Results

Games Discipline (Sport) / Event NOC / Team Pos Medal As
1968 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) USA Dianne Holum
500 metres, Women (Olympic) =2 Silver
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 3 Bronze
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 13
1972 Winter Olympics Speed Skating (Skating) USA Dianne Holum
1,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 6
1,500 metres, Women (Olympic) 1 Gold
3,000 metres, Women (Olympic) 2 Silver

Olympic Records

Records may have been broken subsequently during the same competition.
Games Date Sport Event Phase Mark Pos
1972 Winter Olympics 9 February 1972 Speed Skating (Skating) 1,500 metres, Women Final Standings 2:20.85 1

Other participations

Games Role NOC As
1972 Winter Olympics Flagbearer at the Opening Ceremony USA Dianne Holum

Olympic family relations

Special Notes