Bart VELDKAMP

A long distance specialist, Bart Veldkamp's did well in the international allround championships of 1990 and 1991, winning the 1990 European title and three bronze medals. A medal hope in Albertville, Veldkamp finished 5th twice before winning the 10000 m. His second Olympic medal came in 1994. Too disappointed with his big loss to Johann Olav Koss, he had already left for the Olympic Village, returning only just in time for the medal ceremony. Facing tough opposition to even qualify for international competition, Veldkamp decided to skate on a Belgian license, starting from 1996. Although less successful than before, Veldkamp continued until after the Torino Olympics. In 1998, he won Belgium's first Olympic speed skating medal (bronze) and took four medals at the World Single Distance Championships. In 2001, he also did well in the allround competitions, coming very close to a second European title and finishing third in the Worlds.

After retiring, Veldkamp has appeared on television, presenting a show introducing Kenyans to speed skating, and as a skating analyst for Dutch television. He was appointed head coach of the United States speed skating team in 2007, but fired after one season. Veldkamp then worked for the TVM commercial team, and coached native Belgian skater Bart Swings at the Sochi Olympics.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.55 (2000); 1000 – 1:12.80 (2006); 1500 – 1:49.00 (2001); 5000 – 6:23.64 (2001); 10000 – 13:27.48 (2003).