Jesper Hospes

Famous relatives

His father Henk competed in speed skating at national level and has worked as a coach. (omropfryslan.nl, 10 Jul 2020; sport.nl, 05 Oct 2009)

Reason for choosing this sport

He likes the sport as it allows him to push the limits. "I couldn't play football anymore because of an injury, and I liked the idea of doing an individual sport."

Hero / Idol	Japanese speed skater Hiroyasu Shimizu, Dutch speed skaters Erben Wennemars and Gerard van Velde, Canadian speed skater Jeremy Wotherspoon. (Athlete, 08 Nov 2013, 14 Dec 2012)
Sporting philosophy / motto	"Don't give up. Focus on yourself and play hard." (Athlete, 08 Nov 2013, 14 Dec 2012)
Most influential person in career	His parents, and coach Gerard van Velde. (Athlete, 08 Nov 2013, 14 Dec 2012)

When and where did you begin this sport?

He began skating at age 11.

www.jesperhospes.nl/
twitter.com/jesperhospes

Hobbies	Football, Formula One, cycling, sailing. (Twitter profile, 28 Dec 2020)
Injuries	He sustained a groin strain in October 2021. (Twitter profile, 30 Oct 2021) In June 2020 he had an operation due to appendicitis. (omropfryslan.nl, 10 Jul 2020) A groin injury meant he missed the 2016 World Cup event in Heerenveen, Netherlands. He returned to competition the following month. (lc.nl, 23 Jan 2017) He underwent knee surgery in May 2014. He was fit to start the new season in October 2014. (jesperhospes.nl, 03 Nov 2014)

www.facebook.com/hospesjesper

Other sports	He competed in roller speed skating at the 2016 European Championships in Heerde, Netherlands. (SportsDeskOnline, 06 Mar 2019; edestad.nl, 14 Jul 2017)
Other information	RETIREMENT He retired from competitive speed skating in December 2021. (schaatsen.nl, 28 Dec 2021) TIME ABROAD In 2021 he spent time training in Poland with coach Tuomas Nieminen. "I have had very good contact with the Polish coach Tuomas Nieminen for two or three years. The situation in Friesland [Gewest Fryslan] did not look good for me. I was one of the oldest and also trained part-time. That's why I was looking for more boys of about the same age and level. After the [COVID-19 pandemic] bubble, Tuomas and I saw each other again and then I expressed that I wanted to train with them. Here I was feeling like a real athlete again. It just cost me money. It was well worth it. I really had to work and was thrown to the lions, yet it put a smile on my face. The cooperation was good, we strengthened each other and wished each other our success. Now that I am home I will miss working with Tuomas and the Poles." (schaatsen.nl, 26 Oct 2021)