Irene Schouten comes from Zwaagdijk in West Friesland and has several world titles and three Olympic gold medals to her name. She is also the granddaughter of a dairy farmer. “And I just love cheese,” she said, beaming.
Skating career started in Alkmaar
Schouten corrected the mayor during the introduction. It was said that she mastered skating at the Hoorn ice rink: “No, Alkmaar!”, she shouted. “Thanks to that rink I had such a great career.”
An enthusiastic applause followed from all cheese carriers. Schouten continued a special tradition by ringing the cheese bell. “It was very nice to experience it like this,” she concluded.
