In a fantastic race, Irene Schouten took gold in the 5,000 meters this afternoon. The 29-year-old skater from Hoogkarspel did that in an Olympic, national and personal record. Everything indicated in advance that Schouten would start to burn in Beijing.
Schouten came into action in the last stage against the Italian Francesca Lollobrigida. The West Frisian had to deal with the time of Isabelle Weidemann, who recorded 6.48.18 in the stage before. “I actually didn’t want to drive on times,” Schouten told the NOS about her ride.
Schouten crossed the finish line in a lightning fast time of 6.43.51. “And there’s even more in it,” said Hoogkarspelse, who set an unofficial world record with her time. Only four times faster on the 5,000 meters, but never on a lowland track. “But for now it was super good.”
Schouten will compete in the team pursuit and the mass start in Beijing.