Dutch top speed skating medal table, women dominate golds

The Netherlands topped the medals table at the world single distance speed skating championships in Calgary, Canada this weekend, with six gold, three silver and four bronze medals.

Three of the golds went to Irene Schouten but she was pipped at the post by Joy Beurne in the 5,000 metres on Sunday to end hopes of making it four. 

Just one of the golds was down to the men’s team – Patrick Roest in the 5,000 metres – and there were no Dutchmen on the podium in the 10,000 metres, an event they have dominated in the past. 

Beurne sealed her strong performance in the competition with bronze in the 1,500 metres just a few hours after her 5,000 gold. 

Kjeld Nuis picked up the silver in the men’s 1,500 metres behind Jordan Stolz of the US, who also took gold in the 500 and the 1000 metres.  Nuis also won bronze in the 1,000 metres.