ANPJoy Beune and Jordan Stolz
NOS Schaatsen•zondag, 19:00
At first glance, Joy Beune and Jordan Stolz don’t have much in common. One is world champion in 5,000 meters (Beune), the other a specialist in short distances (Stolz). However, an agreement has been made since today: both skaters managed to win the world title this weekend on their debut at the World Allround Championships.
“I manifested it,” Beune laughed, showing off her gold nail polish. “I thought it was a risk to do, but I also had a laugh. And I was only going for gold, so hence the color gold.”
Beune ‘very happy’ with world all-round title: ‘But everything hurts’
Both Beune and Stolz had to fight on the last distance of the all-round tournament. “Everything hurts, the acid is really everywhere,” said 24-year-old Beune, after she had set the fastest time on the 5,000 meters. “I can’t do anything anymore.”
Beune, world champion 5,000 meters, said he did not do well in the final distance. “For me it was a slow start and the laps didn’t come easy, but it was good enough.”
Stolz was concerned during 10,000 meters
Stolz also had some anxious moments at the final stage of the World Championship, the 10,000 meters, where he had to defend a lead of more than thirty seconds over Patrick Roest. “When he rode 200 meters in front of me and started driving 29’ers, I started to worry a bit.”
Stolz cannot yet believe the world all-round title: ‘I’m in very good shape’
But Roest could not maintain his acceleration and Stolz kept clocking laps of 31. “I was surprised by that during the ride. But when you realize that things are going well, you also feel more tired.” So the American all-rounder tried not to think about it.
“And with two laps to go, I knew if I just stayed up I was going to win.”
Stolz’s world title also has a small Dutch touch. He is a member of the team of trainer Jillert Anema, AH-Zaanlander. “I trained with him in the summer, not so much in the winter. But everyone around me who supported me contributed to this success.”
Beune happy with Nuis’ insights
Beune’s friend Kjeld Nuis was important to her World Cup success, she said after her track record in the 1,500 meters. “I think Kjeld can best show how to ride against opponents and then I thought: I just have to take advantage of my opponent today. That turned out very well.”
“I can relate to the insights he has in the competitions. We talk a lot about skating. It is our work, but also our passion.”
And as far as Beune is concerned, she will continue to pursue her passion for a while. “I’m not done winning yet. I’m on holiday now, but I’m looking forward to next year.”
In the footsteps of Heiden
Stolz, on the other hand, looks less far ahead. “I have no idea yet what I’m going to do after the summer.” He does know that he hopes to get people in his home country America more enthusiastic about skating again.
“Maybe I can bring back some of the tradition of skaters like Eric Heiden to the general public.”
The 19-year-old Stolz became the youngest world all-round champion since Heiden in Inzell. The American was even younger in 1977, 18 years old, when he won his first of three consecutive four-athlon world titles in Heerenveen.
ANPStolz with a tea cozy on his head, a tradition in skating
