Winter Olympics 2022 - Sensational Nils van der Poel breaks own 10000m world record to win distance double

Nils van der Poel produced one of the outstanding performances of the Winter Olympics so far in Beijing by smashing his own 10000m speed skating world record to win the distance double. The Swede had already won the 5000m and he went into the event in scintillating form, which he showcased with a new leading time of 12:30.74 — more than two seconds quicker than the mark he set last year in Heerenveen.

Ad/> Van der Poel had previously complained about the hard, quick ice, claiming the Dutch team had tried to influence those responsible for preparing for the ice and calling it the “biggest scandal in our sport” and as bad as doping. But he took full advantage on a rapid track to pull off a brilliant performance.

/> Beijing 2022'Look at that time!' — Van der Poel celebrates taking two seconds off world recordAN HOUR AGO The Netherlands' Patrick Roest took silver, with Italy's Davide Ghiotto, who raced with Van der Poel, claiming bronze. Roest set the pace among the second pair of skaters, but he was again to be second best to Van der Poel, who also beat him in the 5000m.

There was a huge amount of anticipation about what Van der Poel could achieve, and he looked on for the world record right from the start. But instead of tiring, Van der Poel kept on driving in the final laps and took the bell ahead of the mark he needed, before maintaining that to push for the line and take a history-making victory.

«This man is gold, this man is special, keep reaching out for it my friend, never say never!» said Eurosport commentator Carlton Kirby. «He's the man! As simple as that.» Beijing 2022 Olympic Games: Schedule, big names, key events and more 'Now I am having cake' — Swedish speed skater Van der Poel interrupted by Prime Minister