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Defending champion back at the front
Lord of the Rings – Shortly after Sven Kramer has completed his media duties, a moment of genuine emotion arises in Thialf’s empty corridors. On his way to the dressing room, his loyal manager Patrick Wouters van den Oudenweijer is waiting for him. An embrace with a deep charge follows. Few sports enthusiasts still believed in a stunt by the 35-year-old skating king, but the people in his own small circle kept full confidence in his sporting opportunities. During the 5 kilometers at the Olympic qualifying tournament it became clear why.
