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Ireen Wüst

Netherlands

SportSpeed Skating
FederationIDSSNED20104198601
NOCNetherlands
Born01 Apr 1986 in  Goirle
GenderWomen
ResidenceHeerenveen, NED
LanguagesDutch, English, German
FamilyPartner Letitia de Jong
Personal Bests
EventRecordDateLocation 
Personal Bests
  Event RecordDateLocation 
    500m 38.44 09 Feb 2007 Heerenveen  
    1000m 1:12.64 15 Feb 2020 Salt Lake City, UT  
    1500m 1:50.70 10 Mar 2019 Salt Lake City, UT  
    3000m 3:58.01 12 Feb 2011 Calgary  
    5000m 6:54.28 19 Feb 2014 Sochi  
Main Achievements
 
Main Achievements
Olympic Games
Event  
Olympic Games
    1000m   1    
    1500m 3 1 1  
    3000m 2 1    
    5000m   1    
    Team Pursuit 6 Laps 1 1 1  
World Allround Championships
Event  
World Allround Championships
    Allround 7 4 2  
World Junior Championships
Event  
World Junior Championships
    Allround 1 1    
World Single Distances Championships
Event  
World Single Distances Championships
    1000m 1 2    
    1500m 5 4    
    3000m 3 2 1  
    5000m   1    
    Team Pursuit 6 6    
World Sprint Championships
Event  
World Sprint Championships
    Overall   1    
European Allround Championships
Event  
European Allround Championships
    Allround 5 4 2  
European Single Distances Championships
Event  
European Single Distances Championships
    1500m 1 1    
    Team Pursuit 6 Laps 2      
General Interest
General Interest
MilestonesWith her gold medal in the 1500m at the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing, she became the first athlete in any sport to win at least one gold medal at five editions of the Olympic Winter Games. Her triumph also meant she became the first athlete representing the Netherlands to win six Olympic titles at either the summer or winter editions of the Games, extending the record she set with her fifth Olympic gold medal in the 1500m at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang. She won two medals at the 2022 Games, taking her overall total to 13 Olympic medals, more than any other speed skating athlete. (SportsDeskOnline, 06 Jul 2022)

At the 2006 Olympic Winter Games in Turin she became the youngest Dutch athlete from any sport to win a gold medal at the Olympic Winter Games by triumphing in the 3000m at age 19 years and 317 days. (SportsDeskOnline, 19 Jan 2018)
 
Other sportsShe competed in road cycling at the Dutch championships in 2016, 2017, and 2018. (procyclingstats.com, 30 Jun 2020)  
Sport Specific Information
Sport Specific Information
When and where did you begin this sport?She began skating in 1998 in Eindhoven, Netherlands.  
General Interest
General Interest
NicknamesGI Ireen, Leen, Pipo, Wuust (ireenwust.nl, 25 May 2005)  
Sporting philosophy / motto"Live life to the max." (Athlete, 21 Nov 2018)  
Awards and honoursIn 2022 a statue of her was unveiled in her birthplace of Goirle, Netherlands. (ad.nl, 21 May 2022)

A corner at the Thialf arena in Heerenveen, Netherlands, was named in her honour in 2022. An ice rink has also been named after her in Tilburg, Netherlands. (rtlnieuws.nl, 12 Mar 2022; Facebook page, 01 Mar 2016)

She was flag bearer for the Netherlands at the closing ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang. (OIS, 25 Feb 2018)

She was voted the 2006 Dutch Sportswoman of the Year. (nu.nl, 16 Mar 2011; wereldomroep.nl, 22 Dec 2006)

She has been named Knight of the Order of the Netherlands Lion. (Facebook page, 07 Oct 2017)
 
Other informationRETIREMENT
She retired from the sport in March 2022. "It's not that I'm not good enough anymore, but I want to have children. One day I have to make a decision and say, 'Okay, let's go for the other life'." She took part in her final race on home ice at the 2022 World Cup Final in Heerenveen, Netherlands. "Even before I skated, I already received a standing ovation. Everybody was cheering for me, so that got me really emotional." (ISU, 12 Mar 2022; si.com, 15 Feb 2022)

INSPIRATION
She was the inspiration for a children's book called 'Marieke Martino, the granddaughter of King Stracciatella', which was published in 2010. (sportintilburg.nl, 01 Jan 2020; infonu.nl, 31 Mar 2011; ijsclubtilburg.nl, 07 Jul 2008)
 
Social Media
Social Media
twitter.com/Ireenw  
www.facebook.com/wustireen  
General Interest
General Interest
InjuriesAn abdominal nerve injury and a problem with her left leg affected her in late 2017 and early 2018. (schaatsen.nl, 01 Oct 2018)

A concussion meant she missed the first four World Cup events of the 2015/16 season. (isu.org, 07 Jan 2016)

Her preparation for the 2010/11 season was disrupted by an operation to remove a benign tumour on her ovaries in September 2010. (infonu.nl, 31 Mar 2011)
 
Memorable sporting achievementWinning gold in the 1500m at the 2019 World Single Distances Championships in Inzell, Germany. (ISU, 12 Mar 2022)  
Sport Specific Information
Sport Specific Information
Reason for choosing this sportShe followed her father into the sport after watching him compete in the 1997 Elfstedentocht [11 Cities Tour] in the Netherlands. "My father participated, and I was intrigued by speed skating. I begged my parents to buy me skates and that winter we skated on natural ice a lot. I just loved the atmosphere. I went to the rink in Eindhoven with my father every Sunday morning. I skated in his draft and tried to copy his technique."  
General Interest
General Interest
Most influential person in careerHer family. (Athlete, 21 Nov 2018)  
HobbiesSkiing, sailing, eating at restaurants. (univemagazine.nl, 11 Dec 2020)  
Famous relativesHer partner Letitia de Jong has represented the Netherlands in speed skating, and won gold in the team sprint at the world single distances championships in 2019 and 2020. (SportsDeskOnline, 16 Dec 2020; univemagazine.nl, 11 Dec 2020)  
Championships results
Year Competition Event Rank  
Championships results
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2012/2013 European Championships Allround1  
    2007/2008 European Championships Allround1  
    2014 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2019/2020 European Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2021/2022 European Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit1  
    2020/2021 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2017/2018 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2013/2014 European Championships Allround1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 1000m1  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 3000m1  
    2006 Olympic Games 3000m1  
    2014/2015 European Championships Allround1  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships 3000m1  
    2019/2020 European Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2013/2014 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2013/2014 World Allround Championships 500m1  
    2016/2017 European Allround Championships Allround1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2017/2018 World Allround Championships 3000m1  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2019/2020 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2018/2019 World Single Distances Championships 1500m1  
    2019/2020 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships 3000m1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2013/2014 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2013/2014 World Allround Championships 3000m1  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 3000m1  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 3000m1  
    2018 Olympic Games 1500m1  
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2019/2020 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2022 Olympic Games 1500m1  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 1500m1  
    2014 Olympic Games 3000m1  
    2010 Olympic Games 1500m1  
    2006/2007 European Championships Allround2  
    2006/2007 World Sprint Championships Overall2  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships Allround2  
    2015/2016 European Championships Allround2  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships Allround2  
    2018 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 3000m2  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2018/2019 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2019/2020 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2013/2014 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2019/2020 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 5000m2  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 1000m2  
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2014 Olympic Games 5000m2  
    2018/2019 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships Allround2  
    2018 Olympic Games 3000m2  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships 3000m2  
    2009/2010 World Allround Championships 3000m2  
    2021/2022 European Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships 3000m2  
    2010/2011 European Championships Allround2  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2018/2019 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2010/2011 World Single Distances Championships 1000m2  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships 3000m2  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 3000m2  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2017/2018 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2017/2018 World Allround Championships Allround2  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 500m2  
    2009/2010 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 3000m2  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships 3000m2  
    2009/2010 European Championships Allround2  
    2014 Olympic Games 1500m2  
    2014 Olympic Games 1000m2  
    2022 Olympic Games Team Pursuit3  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 5000m3  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 5000m3  
    2019/2020 World Allround Championships 3000m3  
    2005/2006 European Championships Allround3  
    2010/2011 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2009/2010 World Allround Championships Allround3  
    2006 Olympic Games 1500m3  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships Allround3  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships 3000m3  
    2011/2012 European Championships Allround3  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 1500m3  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships 1500m3  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2004/2005 European Championships Allround4  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships Allround4  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 1500m4  
    2018/2019 European Allround Championships Allround4  
    2019/2020 World Single Distances Championships 1000m4  
    2006 Olympic Games 1000m4  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships 1000m4  
    2018/2019 World Single Distances Championships 3000m5  
    2018/2019 World Allround Championships Allround5  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships Allround5  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 3000m5  
    2019/2020 European Single Distances Championships 1000m5  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships 1000m5  
    2020/2021 World Single Distances Championships 1500m5  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 1000m6  
    2010 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 6 Laps6  
    2007/2008 World Sprint Championships Overall6  
    2022 Olympic Games 1000m6  
    2008/2009 European Championships Allround6  
    2006 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 6 Laps6  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 1500m7  
    2010 Olympic Games 3000m7  
    2010/2011 World Sprint Championships Overall7  
    2010 Olympic Games 1000m8  
    2018 Olympic Games 1000m9  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 1000m9  
World Cups
Year Competition Event Rank  
World Cups
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2019/2020 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification Overall1  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 1500m1  
    2016/2017 Berlin Qualification Combination Allround1  
    2006/2007 Berlin Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2012/2013 Inzell 3000m1  
    2012/2013 Inzell 1500m1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2016/2017 Berlin 3000m1  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2010/2011 Moscow Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen 3000m1  
    2014/2015 Berlin Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2016/2017 Harbin Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2014/2015 Obihiro Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2019/2020 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Berlin Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2008/2009 Berlin Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2014/2015 Berlin 3000m1  
    2012/2013 Erfurt 1500m1  
    2012/2013 Erfurt Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Inzell 3000m1  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1000m1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps1  
    2014/2015 Obihiro 3000m1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2018/2019 Tomakomai 1500m1  
    2018/2019 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2017/2018 Erfurt 1500m1  
    2019/2020 Tomaszów Mazowiecki 1500m1  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2013/2014 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2014/2015 Obihiro 1500m1  
    2006/2007 Calgary 1000m1  
    2016/2017 Berlin 1500m1  
    2016/2017 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2019/2020 Minsk 1500m1  
    2013/2014 Inzell 1500m1  
    2006/2007 Turin 1500m1  
    2007/2008 Hamar 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk 1500m1  
    2013/2014 Berlin 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Hamar 1500m1  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m1  
    2014/2015 Berlin 1500m1  
    2006/2007 Calgary 1500m1  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification Overall2  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 1500m2  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 1000m2  
    2006/2007 Berlin 1500m2  
    2015/2016 Stavanger 3000m2  
    2015/2016 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2020/2021 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2010/2011 Berlin Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2021/2022 Salt Lake City, UT Team Pursuit2  
    2018/2019 Obihiro Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2019/2020 Tomaszów Mazowiecki Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2020/2021 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2012/2013 Erfurt 1000m2  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2019/2020 Nur-Sultan Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2017/2018 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 6 Laps2  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 3000m2  
    2010/2011 Moscow 1000m2  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk 3000m2  
    2010/2011 Moscow 3000m2  
    2006/2007 Erfurt 1500m2  
    2019/2020 Nur-Sultan 1500m2  
    2007/2008 Inzell 1000m2  
    2014/2015 Heerenveen 3000m2  
    2007/2008 Erfurt 1000m2  
    2016/2017 Nagano 1500m2  
    2021/2022 Stavanger 1500m2  
    2006/2007 Berlin 1000m2  
    2010/2011 Salt Lake City, UT 1500m2  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 1500m2  
    2012/2013 Calgary, AB 1000m2  
    2020/2021 Heerenveen 1500m2  
    2006/2007 Turin 3000m2  
    2010/2011 Moscow 1500m2  
    2007/2008 Inzell 1000m2  
    2018/2019 Tomaszów Mazowiecki 1500m2  
    2011/2012 Heerenveen 1000m2  
    2014/2015 Obihiro 1000m2  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB 1500m2  
    2014/2015 Seoul 1500m2  
    2009/2010 Hamar 1500m2  
    2011/2012 Heerenveen 1500m2  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1500m2  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 3000m2  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification Overall3  
    2020/2021 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m3  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2018/2019 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification 1500m3  
    2006/2007 Berlin 3000m3  
    2013/2014 Berlin 3000m3  
    2010/2011 Heerenveen 1000m3  
    2021/2022 Tomaszów Mazowiecki Team Pursuit3  
    2006/2007 Erfurt Team Pursuit 6 Laps3  
    2017/2018 Calgary, AB 3000m3  
    2018/2019 Tomaszów Mazowiecki Team Sprint3  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 3000m3  
    2008/2009 Erfurt 1500m3  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB 3000m3  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1000m3  
    2019/2020 Calgary, AB 1500m3  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m3  
    2011/2012 Salt Lake City, UT 1000m3  
    2014/2015 Hamar 3000m3  
    2011/2012 Hamar 3000m3  
    2020/2021 Heerenveen 1500m3  
    2016/2017 Harbin 1500m3  
    2011/2012 Astana 1500m3  
    2010/2011 Berlin 1500m3  
    2007/2008 Hamar 1000m3  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1000m3  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 1500m3  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification Overall4  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 1500m4  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 1500m4  
    2020/2021 World Cup Classification 1000m5  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 1000m5  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 1000m5  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification 1000m6  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m6  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m6  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification Overall6  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 1000m6  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m6  
    2021/2022 World Cup Classification 1500m6  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 1500m6  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 1500m6  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 1000m6  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification 1500m7  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m7  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 1000m7  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m8  
    2018/2019 World Cup Classification 1000m8  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m9  
    2010/2011 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m9  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m9  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification Overall11  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 1000m12  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m12  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification 1000m12  
    2019/2020 World Cup Classification 1000m14  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification 1000m16  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m17  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification Overall18  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 1000m19  
    2021/2022 World Cup Classification 1000m19  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification 1500m20  
    2018/2019 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m24  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 3000/5000m25  
    2004/2005 World Cup Classification 1500m28  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 500m29  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 1000m36  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 500m42  
    2018/2019 World Cup Classification 500m53