Anton Huiskes

Anton Huiskes was one of the top Dutch long distances skaters in the first decade after World War 2. He finished just outside the medals at the 1952 Olympics, but won distance medals at the 1953 World and European Championships. That same year, he recorded a new World Record in the irregularly contested 3000 m, which stood for 10 years. Huiskes then turned to coaching, with great success in 1966. Ard Schenk (European Champion) and Kees Verkerk (World Champion) won the major titles that year, but Huiskes was fired by the Dutch skating federation when he wanted to professionalize the organization. Huiskes was then taken in by the Swedish team, and he led Johnny Höglin to an upset victory in the Olympic 10 km. In 1972, Huiskes returned as Schenk’s and Verkerk’s coach when they embarked on their professional adventure that failed quickly. Later, Huiskes set up the Anton Huiskes foundation to allow mentally disabled children to experience speed skating.

Personal Bests: 500 – 44.7 (1953); 1500 – 2:18.1 (1954); 5000 – 8:11.0 (1953); 10000 – 17:18.9 (1952).