Triple Dutch in men’s 5,000 speed skating at Winter Olympics

Favourite Sven Kramer has won the first Dutch gold medal of the Winter Olympics after successfully defending his title in the men’s 5,000 speed skating event.

Kramer completed the distance in 6.10.76, setting a new Olympic record.

Fellow Dutchman Jan Blokhuijsen took silver in 6.15.71 while Jorrit Bergsma completed the all Orange podium with 6.16.66.

After the race, Kramer told Nos television he had not slept all night. ‘Not because of nerves, but I was so determined to get it right,’ he said. ‘The pressure was enormous. Gigantic. I could only lose… I was only too well aware of that.’

On Sunday, Ireen Wüst – also a hot medal favourite – takes part in the women’s 3,000 metres.

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