A long distance specialist, Jan Pesman had started competitive skating only in his twenties. Competing in all major international events between 1957 and 1960, Pesman’s results gradually improved. His first victory came in 1959, when he won the 5000 m at the World Allround Championships, placing second in the 10k. The following season, at the World Championships, he won the 10000 m. Just two weeks before the start of the Olympics, this propelled him into a role as favourite for the long distances. After Pesman delivered a 5k test race result only narrowly slower than the World Record, he considered himself a gold medal hope. Skating against Viktor Kosichkin, he was beaten by 14 seconds, which was still enough for the bronze medal. Pesman then failed to do well in the longest distance, falling back after a blistering opening pace that was faster than that of winner and new World Record holder Knut Johannesen. He retired after that race.
Personal Bests: 500 – 43.4 (1960); 1500 – 2:11.0 (1960); 5000 – 7:46.7 (1960); 10000 – 16:41.0 (1960).
Netherlands