Eppie Bleeker, Dutch speed skater

Eppie Bleeker, born on May 5, 1949, is a distinguished retired Dutch speedskater whose career significantly marked the competitive circuits of the 1970s. Hailing from the Netherlands, a nation with a profound and passionate heritage in speed skating, Bleeker carved out a notable reputation through his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.

A Career Defined by Speed and Skill

Bleeker's prowess on the ice earned him significant recognition both on the national and international stages. His career highlights are testament to his talent during an era of fierce competition.

International Acclaim at the World Sprint Championships

Among his most celebrated achievements are the two bronze medals he secured at the prestigious World Sprint Championships. He earned these commendable accolades consecutively in 1973 and 1974. The World Sprint Championships are a pinnacle event in speed skating, where athletes compete across four distances (two 500m and two 1000m races) to determine the overall sprint champion. To achieve bronze medals at this elite level, amidst the world's best, underscores Bleeker's exceptional speed and strategic racing capabilities, bringing pride to the Dutch speed skating tradition.

National Dominance on Home Ice

Closer to home, Eppie Bleeker demonstrated his supremacy by clinching the Dutch national sprint titles. He stood atop the podium as the national champion in 1974 and again in 1975. Winning these national titles in the Netherlands, where speed skating is almost a national religion and competition is incredibly intense, speaks volumes about his consistent domestic performance and his status as a leading athlete in his home country during those years.

Eppie Bleeker's Personal Bests

Throughout his career, Bleeker pushed his limits, setting impressive personal bests across various distances, showcasing his versatility as a speedskater:

500 m

38.70 (achieved in 1977)

1000 m

1:19.34 (achieved in 1974)

1500 m

2:04.59 (achieved in 1974)

3000 m

4:34.30 (achieved in 1975)

5000 m

8:01.90 (achieved in 1974)

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Eppie Bleeker?

Eppie Bleeker is a retired Dutch speedskater, born on May 5, 1949, renowned for his achievements during the 1970s in the sport.

What were Eppie Bleeker's main achievements?

He famously won bronze medals at the World Sprint Championships in both 1973 and 1974, and he also secured the Dutch national sprint titles in 1974 and 1975.

What is the World Sprint Championship?

The World Sprint Championship is a major international speed skating competition where athletes compete over two 500m and two 1000m races to determine an overall sprint champion.

What are some of Eppie Bleeker's personal bests?

His notable personal bests include 38.70 for 500m (1977), 1:19.34 for 1000m (1974), and 2:04.59 for 1500m (1974).

When did Eppie Bleeker compete?

Eppie Bleeker's competitive career highlights, including his major medal wins and personal bests, primarily took place in the mid-1970s.