Births on January 13

Leo Visser, Dutch speed skater and pilot

Leendert "Leo" Visser, born on January 13, 1966, is a distinguished Dutch former speed skater renowned for his exceptional allround prowess and significant contributions to the sport. After a stellar athletic career marked by multiple Olympic and World Championship medals, he successfully transitioned to a demanding and prestigious profession as an airline pilot.

A Dominant Force in Speed Skating

Visser's career reached its zenith in 1989, an truly exceptional year where he demonstrated his versatility and endurance by capturing both the prestigious World Allround Championships and the European Allround Championships. The allround format in speed skating is a comprehensive test of a skater's abilities across four distances: the 500 meters (sprint), 1500 meters (middle distance), 5000 meters (long distance), and 10,000 meters (endurance). Winning both major international titles in a single year, against fierce global competition, solidified his status as one of the world's premier speed skaters of his era.

Olympic Glory: Calgary 1988 and Albertville 1992

Leo Visser made a significant and lasting impact at two consecutive Winter Olympic Games, contributing notably to the Netherlands' rich speed skating legacy with multiple medal wins.

• 1988 Winter Olympics in Calgary, Canada: Competing on the newly constructed, state-of-the-art indoor Olympic Oval – the first fully enclosed, climate-controlled venue for speed skating at the Winter Games – Visser excelled in the long distances. He secured a silver medal in the fiercely competitive 5000 meters, demonstrating his strength and technique, and followed it up with a bronze medal in the grueling 10,000 meters event. These achievements were particularly notable given the fast ice conditions that led to numerous world records and intense competition.
• 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, France: Four years later, at the outdoor speed skating track in the French Alps, Visser once again proved his mettle under potentially challenging weather conditions. He earned two additional bronze medals, one in the 1,500 meters and another in the 5,000 meters. His performances placed him firmly among the elite, even while competing against the formidable dominance of Norwegian speed skating legends Johann Olav Koss and Geir Karlstad, who were at their peak in these specific distances.

National Accolades and Consistent Performance

Domestically, Leo Visser was a consistent frontrunner and a formidable competitor within the strong Dutch speed skating program. He claimed the Dutch allround titles in 1988, 1989, and 1991, showcasing his sustained excellence across multiple seasons. Additionally, he won four individual distance titles at the national championships, further cementing his reputation as a versatile and top-tier athlete within one of the world's most competitive speed skating nations.

Life Beyond the Ice: From Skater to Pilot

After concluding his distinguished career as a professional speed skater, Leo Visser embarked on a remarkable second career, transitioning from the frozen oval to the cockpit of commercial aircraft. He underwent rigorous training to become a certified airline pilot and now serves as a highly skilled captain for the prestigious Dutch airline KLM Royal Dutch Airlines. His current role involves commanding the impressive Boeing 777, a large, long-range, wide-body twin-engine jet airliner, signifying a position of significant responsibility, expertise, and precision – skills honed during his athletic pursuits.

Leadership Role: Chef de Mission

Visser's commitment to sports extended beyond his competitive years into an administrative capacity. In 2002, he was appointed as the chef de mission for the Dutch Olympic team at the Winter Games in Salt Lake City. This crucial leadership role involves overseeing the entire national delegation at the Olympic Games, managing logistics, ensuring athlete welfare, and serving as a key liaison between the team and the International Olympic Committee, demonstrating his continued dedication to Dutch sports and its athletes.

A Family Affair: Olympic Heritage

Leo Visser's deep connection to speed skating also runs through his family. His wife, Sandra Voetelink, is also a former Olympic speed skater. She competed in the 1992 Albertville Winter Olympics, primarily specializing in sprint distances like the 500 meters and 1000 meters, making them a unique couple with shared elite athletic backgrounds and Olympic experiences.

Frequently Asked Questions about Leo Visser

When was Leo Visser born?

Leo Visser was born on January 13, 1966.

What major speed skating championships did Leo Visser win in 1989?

In 1989, Leo Visser achieved a rare double by winning both the World Allround Championships and the European Allround Championships in speed skating.

What medals did Leo Visser win at the Olympic Games?

He won a silver medal (5000m) and a bronze medal (10000m) at the 1988 Calgary Olympics, and two bronze medals (1500m, 5000m) at the 1992 Albertville Olympics.

What is Leo Visser's current profession after his speed skating career?

After retiring from professional speed skating, Leo Visser became an airline pilot and is currently a captain on the Boeing 777 for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines.

What significant role did Leo Visser have for the Dutch Olympic team in 2002?

In 2002, Leo Visser served as the chef de mission for the Dutch Olympic team at the Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, leading the national delegation.