Marianne TIMMER

After narrowly missing qualification for the 1994 Olympics, Marianne Timmer had her international breakthrough in 1997, winning the 1000 m world title in tough outdoor conditions and aided by the advantage of the new clapskate. With all skaters using the new material at the 1998 Olympics, she was not a top favourite in Nagano. To everybody's surprise — including her own — she broke the World Record in the 1500 m to win the gold, and took a second title in the 1000 meter. The Nagano rink proved lucky for Timmer, as it is also the site of her only World Sprint title. Eight years after her success, Timmer was considered an outsider for a medal in the 1000 m. Motivated by a disqualification in the 500 m (due to a disputed false start), Timmer narrowly beat pre-race favorites Cindy Klassen and Anni Friesinger. Aiming for a fourth Olympics, her career appeared finished when she suffered a severe heel injury due to an opponent's fall in late 2009.

Timmer was briefly married to her 1998 coach, 1976 Olympic champion Peter Mueller. She is presently married to Henk Timmer, a football goalkeeper for the Dutch national team.

Personal Bests: 500 – 37.86 (2008); 1000 – 1:14.45 (2002); 1500 – 1:57.58 (1998); 3000 – 4:15.76 (2002); 5000 – 7:53.32 (1994).