Jan Smeekens

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Club / Team	Team LottoNL-Jumbo [NED] / Deventer IJsclub [NED]:
When and where did you begin this sport?	He began skating at age 10 on the canals and lakes in the neighbourhood of Raalte, Netherlands.
Reason for choosing this sport	"It's beautiful to watch. I like the combination of the individual parts of the sport and its aesthetics."
Name of coach	Jac Orie [LottoNL-Jumbo], NED

Awards and honours	He was selected as the Netherlands' flag bearer for the opening ceremony of the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang. (nu.nl, 02 Feb 2018)
Superstitions / Rituals / Beliefs	"I do not want to be dependent on something or get out of focus by a certain song or an iPod that breaks down. Often I stop listening to music for an hour before competing so my full focus is on my performance." (schaatsen.nl, 08 Feb 2018)
Hero / Idol	Dutch speed skater Stefan Groothuis. (Athlete, 17 Nov 2012)
Other information	PYEONGCHANG BLUES He hoped to win a medal in the 500m race at the 2018 Olympic Winter Games in Pyeongchang, but a painful crash during his last practice session a day before the race affected his performance, and he finished in tenth place. "I wanted to finish on the podium, but I knew that a miracle was needed. I also know that I do have it in me, but unfortunately it did not come true [in Pyeongchang], the disappointment is really big." (nu.nl, 19 Feb 2018) NATIONAL FIRST He became the first Dutch speed skater, male or female, to win gold in the 500m at the world championships when he claimed victory in the event at the 2017 World Single Distances Championships in Gangneung, Republic of Korea. (SportsDeskOnline, 25 Oct 2017; schaatsen.nl, 16 Oct 2017) SOCHI DISAPPOINTMENT When he crossed the line in the final of the 500m at the 2014 Olympic Winter Games in Sochi, his time appeared to put him in first place. However, it was later downgraded by four hundredths of a second and Smeekens had to settle for silver behind Dutch teammate Michel Mulder. "The feeling when you first win is indescribable. And then the disappointment. That's quite a contrast." (telegraaf.nl, 10 Feb 2014)
Injuries	He began experiencing recurring problems with his back in 2014. (nrc.nl, 10 Feb 2017) He has had issues with the tendons in his groin during his career. (Athlete, 04 Dec 2011)
Memorable sporting achievement	Winning gold in the 500m at the 2017 World Single Distances Championships in Gangneung, Republic of Korea. (schaatsen.nl, 16 Oct 2017)
Most influential person in career	His parents. (Athlete, 17 Nov 2012)
Sporting philosophy / motto	"Dare to lose." (Athlete, 27 Jan 2017)