Ireen Wust claimed her fourth 1,500 metres world speed skating title at the world championships in Inzell, Germany this weekend, having first won the event in 2007.

Wust won one of eight gold medals take by the Dutch team at the event, and described her win afterwards as ‘the best in my career’.

‘I so wanted to win for Paulien,’ she said after the race. Her great friend and fellow skater Paulien van Deutekom died of cancer a month ago.

Both Sven Kramer and Kjeld Nuis failed to win an individual gold, but Thomas Krol took the men’s 1,500 metres – his first world title. Kai Verbij won gold in the 1,000 metres – also his first world title.

In total, the Dutch squad returned home with eight gold, six silver and two bronze medals.