Gretha Smit, Dutch speed skater
Greta Smit: A Remarkable Comeback and Marathon Skating Legend
Grietje "Greta" Smit, born on January 20, 1976, is a distinguished Dutch former speed skater whose career was marked by a surprising Olympic comeback and extensive dominance in the demanding discipline of marathon skating.
Olympic Silver: A Stunner at Salt Lake City 2002
Greta Smit's most internationally recognized achievement came at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Utah. In a truly unexpected turn of events, she secured a silver medal in the grueling 5000-meter event. This victory was particularly remarkable as Smit had not competed in professional long track speed skating for several years prior to that season. Her return to the sport was swift; she had only resumed training shortly before the demanding Dutch Olympic trials held in late 2001. During her Olympic race, Smit even set a new world record for the 5000 meters, though this record was subsequently broken in a later pair by the formidable German skater Claudia Pechstein, who ultimately claimed the gold medal.
Dominance in Marathon Skating
While her Olympic medal brought her global recognition in long track, Greta Smit was already a celebrated figure in the Dutch speed skating scene due to her exceptional prowess in marathon skating. This discipline, distinct from Olympic long track, emphasizes endurance over many laps, often on natural ice courses. Prior to her 2002 Olympic success, Smit had established herself as a highly successful marathon skater throughout the late 1990s and early 2000s.
- Dutch Marathon Skating Champion (Natural Ice): She famously became the Dutch marathon skating champion on natural ice four times, clinching titles in 1995, 1998, 2000, and 2001. Skating on natural ice, often frozen canals and lakes, requires unique skills to navigate varying ice conditions.
- Dutch Marathon Skating Champion (Artificial Ice): Her adaptability was also evident on artificial ice tracks, where she won the Dutch marathon championship three consecutive times in 1999, 2000, and 2001.
- Elfstedentocht Success: Smit also left her mark on the legendary Elfstedentocht, the "Eleven Cities Tour," a monumental long-distance ice skating event held in the Netherlands on natural ice. During the last held Elfstedentocht in 1997 – an event highly anticipated due to its infrequent occurrence based on specific natural ice conditions – she showcased her endurance by finishing an impressive second.
- Alternative Elfstedentocht Victories: Furthermore, she demonstrated her long-distance capabilities by winning the alternative Elfstedentocht, often skated in locations like Finland when conditions in the Netherlands are unsuitable, in 1998, 2000, and 2001.
A Skating Family Legacy
The Smit family boasts a strong legacy in speed skating. Greta's two sisters, Jenita and Marianne, were also accomplished (marathon) skaters, contributing to the family's prominence in the sport. Jenita Smit, following in her sister's footsteps, also transitioned into long track skating during the 2002/2003 season, further cementing the family's impact on Dutch speed skating.
Frequently Asked Questions About Greta Smit
- Who is Greta Smit?
- Greta Smit is a former Dutch speed skater, born in 1976, renowned for her surprising Olympic silver medal in long track speed skating and her multiple national championships in marathon skating.
- What was Greta Smit's most significant achievement in long track speed skating?
- Her most significant long track achievement was winning a silver medal in the 5000-meter event at the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, a remarkable feat given her prior break from the sport.
- Did Greta Smit set any records during her Olympic performance?
- Yes, during her 5000-meter silver medal race at the 2002 Olympics, Greta Smit initially set a new world record, which was subsequently broken by Claudia Pechstein in a later pair.
- What is Greta Smit's connection to marathon skating?
- Greta Smit was a dominant force in marathon skating, winning numerous Dutch championships on both natural and artificial ice. She also finished second in the last official Elfstedentocht in 1997 and won several alternative Elfstedentochten.
- Are other members of the Smit family involved in speed skating?
- Yes, Greta Smit's sisters, Jenita and Marianne, were also successful (marathon) skaters, with Jenita even competing in long track speed skating.