Renate GROENEWOLD

Renate Groenewold has been among the top Dutch allround skaters since 1999, and has won three international titles. In 2004, she defeated Claudia Pechstein in a last lap battle to become World Allround Champion. In 2008, she added a world title in the team pursuit, while winning the 3000 m world title in 2009. At that distance, her favourite event, she has won two Olympic silver medals. In Salt Lake City, she finished behind Pechstein, and in 2006 only teammate Wüst was faster. Groenewold is aiming to win a gold medal in Vancouver 2010. Meanwhile Groenewold's award list contains many medals. She has won six medals at European Championships, with her best placing (2nd) coming in 2006. In national championships, she won 9 distance titles in 1500 m, 3000 m and 5000 m, and three allround titles. Groenewold has also won 11 World Cup races, in the 3000 m, 5000 m and team pursuit.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.48 (2002); 1000 – 1:17.16 (2001); 1500 – 1:55.29 (2005); 3000 – 3:55.98 (2007); 5000 – 7:01.21 (2004).