Jens BODEN

Jens Boden, born in Dresden, was perhaps the biggest surprise of the first speed skating event of the 2002 Olympics. The 23-year-old broke his personal best time by 15 seconds and ended up in third place behind Jochem Uytdehaage and Derek Parra, who both had skated under the World Record. Boden completed his excellent Olympic tournament with a fifth position in the 10,000 m.

Prior to the Olympics, Bodens best international performance had been an 11th place in a 5,000 m World Cup in the 1999-2000 season. Bodens only other podium performances are five bronzes medals at the German Single Distance Championships in the 5,000 and 10,000 m. He retired in April 2007.

Personal Bests: 500 – 39.38 (2002); 1500 - 1:55.49 (2003); 5000 – 6:20.15 (2005); 10000 – 13:23.43 (2002).