Irene Schouten

Irene Schouten, born on June 21, 1992, in Zwaagdijk-Oost, Netherlands, is a retired Dutch speed skater who specialized in allround marathon and inline-skating disciplines. She has achieved significant success in her career, marking her presence at two Olympic Games and securing multiple national and international titles. Her athletic journey is characterized by consistent performance and a progression to elite status in speed skating.

Schouten’s career highlights include participating in the PyeongChang 2018 Winter Olympics where she earned a bronze medal in the women’s mass start event. She built upon this foundation, leading to a highly successful performance at the Beijing 2022 Winter Olympics. In Beijing, she became a triple Olympic Champion, winning gold medals in the 3000m, 5000m, and mass start events. Additionally, she secured a bronze medal in the team pursuit at the same games. Her accomplishments at the 2022 Games established her as one of the most successful Dutch Olympic athletes of the event, setting Olympic records in both the 3000m and 5000m.

Throughout her career, Schouten has also earned numerous medals at other prestigious competitions, including the World Single Distances Championships, World Allround Championships, and European Championships. She claimed multiple gold medals in mass start, 3000m, 5000m, and team pursuit events at these championships. She officially retired from competitive speed skating in 2024, concluding her career after winning three gold medals at the World Championships in her final season. Schouten remains the current Olympic and Dutch record holder in the 5000 meters and was recognized as the Dutch Sportswoman of the Year in 2022.