Arjan Stroetinga
. Arjan Stroetinga was born in 1981 in little village oosterwolde in North Holland.Already in his jouth he was addicted to skating. Unfortunately he was too young to participate in the last Elfstdentocht which was held in 1993. He was by far tthe most succesful marathon skater on artificial ice. He wom 7 times the national title..
The foto, at the side, was made when he realized his tth vistory in the Dutch National championship on articifial ice. |
He won this championship more times than any other skater who participated in this competition. At the end of the skating season of 2021 when he was 39 he made an end to his succesful career as skater. The fact that in 2022 the olympic games would be held was not a sufficient reason for him to continue because it was not sure that he would be selected in the Dutch team. The only reason to continue would have been if he could skate an Elfstedentocht in the next year but that was so unlikely that he decided to stop.
He was not only succesful on artificial ice he won several long distance races on natural ice in the Netherlands and on the Weissensee.
In 2012 one started with Mass start races in the Netherllands which are rather similar to Marathn races. The difference is that the number of rounds in less and the participation is open for all qualified speed skaters also from the long track speed skating competitions. In 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2020 in The Netherlands. In 2015. Also during the world cup races he won the mass start ahead of international speed skating stars..
In 2012 one started with Mass start races in the Netherllands which are rather similar to Marathn races. The difference is that the number of rounds in less and the participation is open for all qualified speed skaters also from the long track speed skating competitions. In 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2020 in The Netherlands. In 2015. Also during the world cup races he won the mass start ahead of international speed skating stars..