Debating with your friends who’s the best Speed Skating coach?
Bart Schouten, Gerard Kemkers or Viktor Ahn?
Here is our list of the best Speed Skating coaches of all time.
Do you agree with our picks?
Best Speed Skating Coaches:
- Bart Schouten
- Gerard Kemkers
- Viktor Ahn
- Johan de Wit
- Kevin Crockett
Table of Contents
#1 Bart Schouten
- 🏆 Achievements: Coaching multiple Olympic medalists
- 👕 Teams Coached: Dutch and Canadian speed skating teams
- 🌐 Nationality: Dutch
Bart Schouten is a well-respected figure in the world of speed skating, recognized for guiding several athletes to Olympic medals. His coaching has made a significant impact on both the Dutch and Canadian national teams.
Schouten’s understanding of the technical and physical aspects of speed skating has allowed him to develop tailored training programs that bring out the best in the skaters he coaches.
His success in the sport has positioned him as a go-to expert for athletes looking to excel on the ice, with his methods earning praise for their effectiveness.
#2 Gerard Kemkers
- 🏆 Achievements: Coaching Olympic champions like Sven Kramer
- 👕 Teams Coached: Dutch speed skating teams
- 🌐 Nationality: Dutch
Gerard Kemkers has played a pivotal role in the success of Dutch speed skating, mentoring numerous Olympic champions, including the legendary Sven Kramer. His influence has helped sustain the Netherlands’ dominance in the sport.
His approach to coaching emphasizes the importance of mental strength and strategic race planning, which has led his athletes to deliver outstanding performances on the international stage.
Kemkers is known for his dedication and innovative training methods, which contribute to the ongoing success and reputation of the Dutch speed skating program.
#3 Viktor Ahn
- 🏆 Achievements: x
- 👕 Teams Coached: Russian national short track speed skating team
- 🌐 Nationality: South Korean/Russian
Viktor Ahn, originally from South Korea and having competed for Russia, is a celebrated figure in short track speed skating, both as an athlete and as a coach. His firsthand experience as an Olympic gold medalist has provided invaluable insights to the skaters he mentors.
Despite limited information on his coaching achievements, Ahn’s transition from athlete to coach demonstrates his commitment to the sport and his desire to bring up the next generation of elite skaters.
With a deep understanding of the tactics and dynamics of short track, Ahn is well-equipped to impart his knowledge and experience to aspiring athletes looking to compete at the highest levels.
#4 Johan de Wit
- 🏆 Achievements: Coaching Japanese speed skating team to historic wins
- 👕 Teams Coached: Japanese speed skating team
- 🌐 Nationality: Dutch
Johan de Wit has emerged as a key figure in the international speed skating scene, particularly in Japanese speed skating, where he has coached the national team to historic victories, including their first Olympic gold in the sport.
The impact of his coaching philosophy and training regimen has been credited with elevating the performance of Japanese athletes, leading to unprecedented success in international competitions.
De Wit’s tenure as a coach has not only brought glory to the athletes he oversees but has also influenced the broader development of speed skating within Japan, cementing his legacy as a transformative coach.
#5 Kevin Crockett
- 🏆 Achievements: x
- 👕 Teams Coached: Chinese national speed skating team
- 🌐 Nationality: Canadian
Kevin Crockett, formerly known as a successful Canadian speed skater, has made the transition from athlete to coach. His work with the Chinese national speed skating team reflects his commitment to developing the sport internationally.
Although specific details of his coaching achievements may not be widely documented, Crockett’s background as a competitive skater himself provides a wealth of experience from which his athletes can benefit.
His coaching career is a testament to his passion for speed skating and his desire to foster new talent, contributing to the growth and diversity within the sport’s coaching ranks.
FAQ
Who is the greatest speed skating coach of all time?
Johan de Wit is often considered the greatest speed skating coach, credited for transforming the Japanese speed skating team into Olympic medalists.
Who was the most successful speed skating coach?
Igor Tikhonov is hailed as the most successful, coaching the Soviet and Russian teams to numerous Olympic and world championship victories.