Falko ZANDSTRA

Falko Zandstra became Junior World Champion in 1990 and 1991, breaking the senior World Record for the small combination during the competition. His first senior year was a huge success, winning the European title in his native Heerenveen and placing second at the World Championships. At the Albertville Olympics, he grabbed a silver medal in the 5,000 m. He was the best skater in the world in 1993, winning World and European titles, and being awarded the Oscar Mathisen award for the best performance of the season. From then on, his performances deteriorated, although he won a medal at the 1994 Olympics and podium spots at the European Championships in 1994, 1995 and 1997. A three time Dutch All-Around champion, Zandstra retired from the sport when he failed to qualify for his third Olympics. He later set up a wall and roof material shop in Heerenveen.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.89 (1994); 1000 – 1:13.98 (1998); 1500 – 1:50.90 (1998); 5000 – 6:39.57 (1998); 10000 – 13:46.96 (1993).