Trivia

Has two children with his wife - Luuk and Ties Groothuis.

Won 10 medals from the Dutch Single Distance Championships during his career - 4 gold, 2 silver and 4 bronze.

Won one gold medal in the sprint at the 2012 World Sprint Championships in Calgary.

At the 2012 World Sprint Speed Skating Championships in Calgary won the gold medal. His point total of 136.810 broke the world record for the sprint combination held by Jeremy Wotherspoon.

Turned pro in 2003 and retired in 2016.

Married his wife, Esther in 2010.

In January 2006 surprisingly became the Dutch national sprint champion, finishing first in two 500 meters and two 1000 meters races.

Won 2 medals in the 1000 m from the 2011 and 2012 World Single Distance Championships - one gold and one bronze.

Is a retired speed skater.

Won 6 gold medals in the sprint from the Dutch Sprint Championships over the years.

Won one gold Olympic medal in the 1000 m in Sochi in 2014.

On 21 January 2012 made his personal best record in the 500 m with a time of 34.55 in Salt Lake City.

Is a a specialist in the middle distances (1000 and 1500 meters).