Irene Schouten was today grandly honored for her impressive skating career. The skater from Hoogkarspel announced last week that she would stop top skating. The three-time Olympic champion was therefore put in the spotlight in the Frisian skating temple.
“At a young age I already had the dream of becoming the best skater. I am very grateful that this came true,” says Schouten during the ceremony. “When I became world champion in the mass start for the first time in 2015 in a packed Thialf, I thought: “This leaves me wanting more.”
“The fact that people see me as a role model and that I have inspired people means a lot to me”
“It leaves me speechless,” said Schouten, who was overwhelmed by all the attention. “The fact that people see me as a role model and that I have inspired people means a lot to me.”
Irene Schouten with her parents
Fans want to catch a glimpse of Schouten
Irene Schouten between the tulips on stage
Irene Schouten’s family watches
Thialf waits patiently for Irene Schouten to be honored
She was serenaded in front of packed stands in Heerenveen, received beautiful words and during her lap of honor on the skates, thousands of tulips were thrown to her. “Impressive and very special, especially with all those tulips,” she said after the farewell ceremony. “I greatly underestimated the impact of my farewell. I could not have dreamed of receiving so much attention. The flag was flying in the village and I received many flowers and cards. Actually, just like after the Olympic Games. I am very happy that I received a lot of I was able to entertain people.”
Irene Schouten’s tribute can be viewed later on this website.
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