The Way of Carlijn Achtereekte to Olympic Gold
Carlijn Achtereekte, a Dutch speed skater, who specializes in long distances, seems to be a very ambitious person, who always reaches her aims. For instance in 2017, she told that her ambition was to win a medal at 2018 Winter Olympics and in a year, she made this dream true. So, let’s get to know who this woman is.
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Personal Information
Carlijn Achtereekte was born on January 29, 1990, in Lettele, Netherlands. At the age of 9, she started to skate at the Deventer IJsclub, being encouraged by her father. Besides doing sports, the athlete also studied psychomotor therapy at the School of Human Movements and Sports in Zwolle, Netherlands.
Carlijn is fond of shopping, cycling and having lunch with her friends. She speaks Dutch and English fluently. The athlete always carries a necklace with the photo of her late mother. Achtereekte told that the biggest influence in her life is her coach Johan Frederiksen, her father and brother. Her speed skating idol is Erben Wennemars.
Carlijn Achtereekte poster
National and International Achievements
Carlijn is 3-time silver medalist of the Dutch Single Distance Championships though she has never won a medal at KNSB Dutch Allround Championships.
In 2015, the speed skater won a silver medal in 5000m at the World Single Distance Championships in Heerenveen. And at 2018 European Single Distance Championships in Kolomna, she gained a silver medal in 3000m and finished 8th in mass start. The athlete has never won a World Cup race.
2018 Winter Olympics
Carlijn Achtereekte surprised everyone at 2018 Winter Olympics by claiming gold in women’s 3000m. The athlete was a debutant of the Winter Olympic Games and managed to gain a medal immediately. She finished the race in 3:59.21. A curious fact is that the other 2 places on the podium were occupied by the other Dutch athletes, Ireen Wust and Antoinette de Jong.
Carlijn Achtereekte poster
Personal Records of Carlijn Achtereekte
Here are the best results of the Dutch speed skater and her personal records:
500m – 39.87 (27 December 2014 in Heerenveen)
1000m – 1:18.46 (7 February 2015 in Inzell)
1500m – 1:57.77 (21 October 2017 in Heerenveen)
3000m – 3:58.63 (1 December 2017, Calgary)
5000m – 6:54.49 (13 February 2015 in Heerenveen)
So, Carlijn Achtereekte proved that all the aims can be achieved if you do your best. She was a real surprise of the 2018 Winter Olympics and returned to the Netherlands as a real hero. And more wins are ahead.
