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Sven Kramer

Netherlands

SportSpeed Skating
FederationIDSSNED12304198601
NOCNetherlands
Born23 Apr 1986 in  Heerenveen
GenderMen
ResidenceAmstelveen, NED
Higher educationPhysical Education - CIOS: Heerenveen, NED
LanguagesDutch, English
FamilyPartner Naomi van As, daughter Kae
Personal Bests
EventRecordDateLocation 
Personal Bests
  Event RecordDateLocation 
    500m 36.17 27 Dec 2009 Heerenveen  
    1000m 1:09.77 28 Feb 2015 Calgary  
    1500m 1:43.54 11 Dec 2009 Salt Lake City, UT  
    5000m 6:03.32 17 Nov 2007 Calgary  
    10000m 12:38.89 11 Feb 2017 Gangneung  
Main Achievements
 
Main Achievements
Olympic Games
Event  
Olympic Games
    5000m 3 1    
    10000m   1    
    Team Pursuit 8 Laps 1   3  
World Allround Championships
Event  
World Allround Championships
    Allround 9   3  
World Junior Championships
Event  
World Junior Championships
    Allround 1 1    
World Single Distances Championships
Event  
World Single Distances Championships
    1500m   1 1  
    5000m 8 1 1  
    10000m 5 1    
    Team Pursuit 8 Laps 8      
European Allround Championships
Event  
European Allround Championships
    Allround 10 1    
European Single Distances Championships
Event  
European Single Distances Championships
    5000m   1    
    Team Pursuit 2      
General Interest
General Interest
Hero / IdolNorwegian speed skater Johann Olav Koss. (svenkramer.nl, 23 May 2005)  
Sporting philosophy / motto"Being satisfied with silver is not my view on top sport. That is not why I train, that is not why I race. I race to win." (ONS, 18 Feb 2014)  
Famous relativesHis father Yep Kramer competed in speed skating at the Olympic Winter Games in 1980 and 1984. His partner Naomi van As has played hockey for the Netherlands and won gold at the Olympic Games in 2008 and 2012. (schaatsen.nl, 25 Aug 2016; rtlnieuws.nl, 02 Jun 2014; tvmschaatsploeg.nl, 19 Jan 2009; SportsDeskOnline, 15 Nov 2021)  
Awards and honoursIn 2022 he was appointed an Officer of the Order of Orange-Nassau in the Netherlands. (ad.nl, 12 Mar 2022)

A corner at the Thialf arena in Heerenveen, Netherlands, was named in his honour in 2022. (ISU, 12 Mar 2022)

In 2017 he was given the Oscar Mathisen Award. The honour is presented annually by the Oslo Skoiteklub in Norway to the skater who has made an outstanding or special achievement during the previous season. He had previously won the award in 2007. (schaatsen.nl, 06 Sep 2017; ad.nl, 06 Sep 2017)

He won the Ard Schenk Award, given to the best Dutch speed skater, seven times between 2007 and 2016. (schaatsen.nl, 15 Mar 2016; svenkramer.nl, 05 Dec 2008)

In 2010 he was presented with the Orde van de Nederlandse Leeuw [Order of the Dutch Lion] after his success in the 5000m at the 2010 Olympic Winter Games in Vancouver. (nos.nl, 2010)

In 2007 he was voted Dutch Sportsman of the Year. (svenkramer.nl, 05 Dec 2008; spitsnet.nl, 19 Dec 2007)
 
Other informationRETIREMENT
He retired from the sport following the 2022 Olympic Winter Games in Beijing. Following his retirement he took up a management role with Team Jumbo-Visma in the Netherlands. "The greatest example of arrogance is to think you're irreplaceable. What I'll miss most is preparing for the really important moments, when you know it has to happen, and there's no excuse. That drive is nowhere else to be found in life. But I'm going to discover how things will be different. It's not like I will never skate anymore, but I will certainly not compete anymore, and that feels pretty good. I don't think I have to be ashamed of myself. I have achieved great things and had a fantastic career. It feels good to finish it." (ISU, 12 Mar 2022; nbcolympics.com, 19 Feb 2022)

ACADEMY
In August 2020 he set up the Sven Kramer Academy in Thialf, Netherlands. "The call for children, and adults as well, to exercise more is growing. I owe a lot to ice skating and I would like to give something back with this initiative. I want to make my knowledge, experience, and network available to stimulate and motivate the youth to go skating in the coming years. My ultimate dream is that every child has experienced the pleasure of skating at least once before his or her 12th birthday. That's why school skating will also be high on our agenda." (svenkrameracademy.nl, 23 Oct 2020; nltimes.nl, 30 Aug 2020)

AMBASSADOR
He has served as an ambassador for Spieren voor Spieren [Muscles for Muscles], a sports charity based in the Netherlands. (Twitter profile, 13 Jul 2020)
 
Other sportsHe competed in road cycling at the 2004 National Junior Championships in the Netherlands, finishing second behind Robert Gesink in the individual time trial. He has competed sporadically in national level cycling events. (ad.nl, 18 May 2016; cyclingarchives.com, 14 Feb 2012)  
InjuriesHe competed in the 5000m at the 2021 World Single Distances Championships in Heerenveen, Netherlands, but a back injury then forced him to withdraw from the rest of the tournament. He had surgery on the injury in May 2021. (isu.org, 02 Nov 2021, 12 Feb 2021; SportsDeskOnline, 16 Feb 2021)

He missed the 2020 Dutch Allround Championships in Heerenveen with flu-like symptoms. (teamjumbovisma.com, 20 Nov 2020)

He spent the majority of the 2019/20 season affected by a back injury. (insidethegames.biz, 12 Feb 2020)

A back injury forced him to withdraw from the 5000m at the 2018 World Cup event in Tomakomai, Japan. (isu.org, 21 Nov 2018)

He struggled with lower back problems throughout the 2017/18 season. (schaatsen.nl, 24 Apr 2018)

In April 2017 he broke his left collarbone after falling off his bicycle during a race in Drenthe, Netherlands. (schaatsen.nl, 29 Apr 2017)

He injured his back falling off a swing in September 2012. "This sounds very clumsy, and it is. Especially because I wasn't even swinging. I was just sitting on it and slipped off." (schaatsen.nl, 05 Oct 2012)

He was diagnosed with vitamin poisoning in 2010 after taking vitamin B6. The poisoning affected the movement in his right thigh and he also experienced problems with fatigue. He missed the 2010/11 season due to the thigh issue. (volkskrant.nl, 14 Nov 2015; schaatsen.nl, 22 Jun 2013)
 
Social Media
Social Media
instagram.com/svenkramer  
twitter.com/SvenKramer86  
General Interest
General Interest
NicknamesFlying Dutchman (thisisinsider.com, 13 Feb 2018)  
MilestonesHe won his eighth Olympic medal when he claimed gold in the 5000m at the 2018 Winter Games in Pyeongchang, making him the most successful male Olympic speed skater in terms of total medals won. It was his third consecutive gold medal in the 5000m, making him the first male athlete to win three gold medals in a single speed skating event at the Olympic Winter Games. He also became the first Dutch male Olympian to win eight medals, surpassing swimmer Pieter Van Den Hoogenband's total of seven. Later in the Games he won his ninth medal, a bronze in the team pursuit. (SportsDeskOnline, 21 Feb 2018)

He won his 21st gold medal at the world single distances championships by claiming victory in the team pursuit at the 2020 edition of the tournament in Salt Lake City, UT, United States of America. This is more than any other skater and five more than the next skater on the list, Martina Sablikova from the Czech Republic. He also has 26 medals overall at the world single distances championships, which is more than any other male skater. (SportsDeskOnline, 18 Jan 2021)

His gold medal in the big combination at the 2017 World Allround Championships in Hamar, Norway, took him to nine gold medals at all editions of the championships, one more than German skater Gunda Niemann-Stirnemann. His 12 overall medals at the championships is more than any other male skater. (SportsDeskOnline, 18 Jan 2021; olympic.org, 15 Mar 2018)
 
Social Media
Social Media
svenkrameracademy.nl  
Sport Specific Information
Sport Specific Information
Reason for choosing this sportHis father Yep was a speed skater.  
When and where did you begin this sport?He began skating as a child.  
Championships results
Year Competition Event Rank  
Championships results
    2015/2016 European Championships Allround1  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2007/2008 European Championships Allround1  
    2006/2007 European Championships Allround1  
    2014 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2016/2017 European Allround Championships Allround1  
    2019/2020 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2019/2020 European Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2021/2022 European Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit1  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2018/2019 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2011/2012 European Championships Allround1  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2009/2010 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2018/2019 European Allround Championships Allround1  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 10000m1  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 10000m1  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 10000m1  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 10000m1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 10000m1  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 10000m1  
    2009/2010 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2012/2013 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2014/2015 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2018 Olympic Games 5000m1  
    2014 Olympic Games 5000m1  
    2009/2010 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2015/2016 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2010 Olympic Games 5000m1  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2011/2012 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2006/2007 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2006/2007 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships Allround1  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships 5000m1  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2012/2013 European Championships Allround1  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2011/2012 World Single Distances Championships 5000m1  
    2008/2009 European Championships Allround1  
    2009/2010 European Championships Allround1  
    2014/2015 European Championships Allround1  
    2004/2005 European Championships Allround2  
    2019/2020 European Single Distances Championships 5000m2  
    2019/2020 World Single Distances Championships 5000m2  
    2012/2013 World Single Distances Championships 10000m2  
    2006 Olympic Games 5000m2  
    2014 Olympic Games 10000m2  
    2007/2008 World Single Distances Championships 1500m2  
    2017/2018 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2018/2019 World Allround Championships 5000m2  
    2008/2009 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2016/2017 World Allround Championships 1500m2  
    2005/2006 World Allround Championships Allround3  
    2018 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 8 Laps3  
    2010 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 8 Laps3  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships Allround3  
    2004/2005 World Allround Championships 10000m3  
    2016/2017 World Single Distances Championships 1500m3  
    2018/2019 World Single Distances Championships 5000m3  
    2018/2019 World Allround Championships 1500m3  
    2015/2016 World Allround Championships 1500m3  
    2007/2008 World Allround Championships 500m3  
    2018/2019 World Allround Championships Allround3  
    2006 Olympic Games Team Pursuit 8 Laps3  
    2022 Olympic Games Team Pursuit4  
    2017/2018 World Allround Championships Allround4  
    2014/2015 World Allround Championships 1500m3  
    2005/2006 European Championships Allround4  
    2021/2022 European Single Distances Championships 5000m6  
    2018 Olympic Games 10000m6  
    2006 Olympic Games 10000m7  
    2008/2009 World Single Distances Championships 1500m8  
    2022 Olympic Games 5000m9  
    2010 Olympic Games 1500m13  
    2006 Olympic Games 1500m15  
    2018 Olympic Games Mass Start 16 Laps16  
    2022 Olympic Games Mass Start16  
    2020/2021 World Single Distances Championships 5000m19  
    2019/2020 World Allround Championships Allround22  
World Cups
Year Competition Event Rank  
World Cups
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m1  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m1  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m1  
    2006/2007 Berlin 5000m1  
    2005/2006 Salt Lake City, UT 5000m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2006/2007 Berlin Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2021/2022 Tomaszów Mazowiecki Team Pursuit1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2017/2018 Calgary, AB Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 1500m1  
    2020/2021 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2014/2015 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2016/2017 Nagano Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2016/2017 Harbin Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2014/2015 Obihiro Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2006/2007 Erfurt 10000m1  
    2015/2016 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2011/2012 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2012/2013 Erfurt Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Astana 10000m1  
    2017/2018 Stavanger 10000m1  
    2009/2010 Hamar 10000m1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen 10000m1  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2006/2007 Erfurt Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2015/2016 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2009/2010 Calgary, AB Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2012/2013 Kolomna 5000m1  
    2016/2017 Nagano 5000m1  
    2012/2013 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2017/2018 Calgary, AB 5000m1  
    2017/2018 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2013/2014 Calgary, AB 5000m1  
    2013/2014 Salt Lake City, UT 5000m1  
    2015/2016 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2016/2017 Harbin 5000m1  
    2014/2015 Obihiro 5000m1  
    2012/2013 Inzell 5000m1  
    2015/2016 Calgary, AB 5000m1  
    2015/2016 Stavanger 5000m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2007/2008 Calgary 5000m1  
    2008/2009 Erfurt 5000m1  
    2016/2017 Harbin 1500m1  
    2009/2010 Calgary 5000m1  
    2009/2010 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2006/2007 Turin 5000m1  
    2007/2008 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2008/2009 Salt Lake City, UT 5000m1  
    2008/2009 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2011/2012 Astana 5000m1  
    2008/2009 Berlin 1500m1  
    2011/2012 Berlin 5000m1  
    2005/2006 Heerenveen Team Pursuit 8 Laps1  
    2006/2007 Heerenveen 5000m1  
    2008/2009 Berlin 5000m1  
    2009/2010 Berlin 5000m1  
    2006/2007 Calgary 5000m1  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m2  
    2005/2006 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m2  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m2  
    2020/2021 World Cup Classification 5000m2  
    2007/2008 Salt Lake City, UT 5000m2  
    2015/2016 Salt Lake City, UT 10000m2  
    2020/2021 Heerenveen 5000m2  
    2007/2008 Hamar 1500m2  
    2011/2012 Hamar 5000m2  
    2011/2012 Chelyabinsk 5000m2  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m3  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m3  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m3  
    2018/2019 Heerenveen 5000m3  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m4  
    2012/2013 World Cup Classification Overall7  
    2007/2008 World Cup Classification 1500m7  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification Overall8  
    2008/2009 World Cup Classification 1500m8  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m9  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m9  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification Overall10  
    2017/2018 World Cup Classification Overall10  
    2004/2005 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m12  
    2013/2014 World Cup Classification Overall12  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification 1500m13  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification 1500m14  
    2016/2017 World Cup Classification Overall15  
    2014/2015 World Cup Classification Overall19  
    2006/2007 World Cup Classification 1500m22  
    2009/2010 World Cup Classification 1500m27  
    2011/2012 World Cup Classification 1500m32  
    2018/2019 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m33  
    2019/2020 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m39  
    2021/2022 World Cup Classification 5000/10000m41  
    2015/2016 World Cup Classification 1500m44  
    2018/2019 World Cup Classification 1500m48