Irene Schouten, a five-time Olympic medalist, established herself as a formidable talent early in her career, qualifying for the World Allround Championships in 2014. Specializing in long-distance and mass start events, Schouten made her Olympic debut at the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics, where she secured a bronze medal in the Women’s Mass Start. This foundational performance set the stage for her subsequent dominance on the international speed skating circuit, where she consistently earned multiple national and international titles across various disciplines, including allround marathon and inline-skating. Schouten’s career reached an unparalleled peak at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics, where she became a triple Olympic Champion.

In 2024, she secured three additional gold medals at the World Championships, reaffirming her status as a legendary figure in the sport. Her retirement marks the end of an era defined by her remarkable achievements, including five Olympic medals and numerous world titles, leaving an enduring legacy as one of the most decorated speed skaters.