Ireen Wüst Receives Fanny Blankers‑Keen Career Award

Former Dutch speed skater Ireen Wüst was presented with the Fanny Blankers‑Keen Career Award at the NOC*NSF Sportgala held on Papendal. The award, created by NOC*NSF to honour the most accomplished Dutch athletes, was handed to her by last year's winner and former footballer Ruud Gullit.

Wüst's record includes five consecutive individual Olympic gold medals from 2006 to 2022, a total haul of six gold, five silver and two bronze medals, as well as numerous world and European titles. The jury highlighted her work ethic, modest outlook and advocacy for athletes' mental‑health issues, describing her as a role model who continues to support and mentor fellow competitors even after retiring from competition.