Ex skater Erben Wennemars

Erben Wennemars became famous in the Netherlands under the name of Kees Roeiboot (Rowboat). He invented this name himself because people found it hard to remember his proper name. These days, not many people will forget his true name. Erben has made a big impression with his successes. He has also had to cope with some setbacks. At the Olympics in Nagano, Erben fell over because the Norwegian Njös slid into his lane and could not avoid Erben. This did not deter Erben and in the years that followed he was more successful than ever.

Erben specialised in sprint- and middle distances (500, 1000 and 1500 metres). In total, he won eleven National titles over the various distances. In 2003, 2004 and 2005 he became World Champion over various distances: he won the World title twice for the 1000 metres, once for the 1500 metres, and three times for the team pursuit race. Because of his triumphs he was named Sportsman of the Year in 2004. However, what people did not realise at that time was that his career highlight was yet to come. In 2006, he actually managed to collect another two bronze medals at the Torino Winter Olympics.

Erben stopped skating in 2010 and changed his focus to Communication Manager at Randstad. This was not the only thing he did. In 2012, Erben set up his own business: ‘Natuurijs’.  This business sells frozen biological yoghurt and uses its profits to support the Junior Sports Foundation, which he represents as Ambassador. Erben truly is a very busy bee…. Over the last few years he has been busy as Member of the Comité 200 year Koninkrijk (Kingdom), running Ambassador of the Meeùs Running Club, adviser for the brand activation bureau Kumpany, skating trainer for amateur skaters, and football coach. In the meantime, Erben has become a familiar face and identity at NOS Sports for skating competitions.

Erben Wennemars as a sports speaker
Erben is loved by the public because of his enthusiastic, ambitious and driven character. He enjoys breaking barriers and records and knows everything about intrinsic motivation and he will enjoy telling you more about this. He supports you in stretching your boundaries. Through all of the experiences he has gained in business, he knows how to transfer his top athlete mentality to your own organisation in an excellent manner. Erben knows how to make everyone feel at ease through his perceptiveness and humour.

Reservations
Booking for an inspirational speaker such as Erben Wennemars is only possible for closed groups. For information about options and charges, please contact our staff on +31(0)26-4837911 or complete the attached application form below.