Considering that it was the third 400-meter ice rink to open worldwide, what makes the Jaap Eden IJsbaan so special? This ice rink is a tribute to Jaap Eden. He was a legendary Dutch sportsman. The Jaap Eden IJsbaan opened its doors in December 1961 in Amsterdam. It quickly became a beloved spot for skaters.
Jaap Eden was the first national sports hero of the Netherlands. He excelled in both speed skating and cycling. Born in 1873, Eden’s mother passed away shortly after his birth. He was raised by his grandparents in Santpoort.
As a young man, Jaap Eden met Klaas Pander. Pander saw Eden’s talent. He encouraged him to pursue skating. In 1893, Jaap Eden became the first Dutch World Allround Champion. This event was held behind the Rijksmuseum on what is now Museumplein. Jaap Eden was only nineteen years old.
The crowd erupted in joy. He became a national hero. Jaap Eden dominated the competition. He easily outskated the Germans, Norwegians, and Swedes.
That same day, Jaap Eden’s victory was celebrated in a Haarlem café. Pim Mulier praised him. The chairman of the Haarlem cycling association invited Jaap Eden to join their club. He suggested Jaap Eden might find similar success in cycling.
Jaap Eden went on to win two more World Allround titles in skating. During the summer, he devoted himself to cycling. Despite advice to find a stable job, Jaap Eden entered every competition he could.
In 1894, the World Championships in Hamar were memorable. Jaap Eden’s skating talent was clear. However, his lifestyle was questionable. Pim Mulier noted that Jaap Eden smoked too many cigars. He also warned against cycling after September. He said that Jaap Eden needed rest before the “winter campaign.”
At the World Championships in Stockholm, Jaap Eden refused to rerun the 500 meters after a tie. He proposed drawing lots to decide the winner. He lost the draw and the championship.
At the European Championships in Hamar, Jaap Eden skipped the 500 meters. He claimed it was too windy. It was later revealed that he was with Frederike Norseng. She was the daughter of Norwegian skater Olaf Norseng. Despite this affair, Jaap Eden set a world record in the 5,000 meters. This record stood for seventeen years.
In 1894, Jaap Eden faced a setback in cycling. He was barred from the English championships. He was registered as an amateur but earned money in a bike shop. Despite this, he won his heats. He was allowed to race in the final but without official recognition. Jaap Eden dominated. He eased up too early and finished second.
Jaap Eden achieved great success as a cyclist. In 1894, he won gold in the ten-kilometer race at the World Championships in Antwerp. In 1895, he won his second World Allround title in Hamar. Jaap Eden was now a world champion in both skating and cycling. He was only twenty-one.
Jaap Eden became a national hero. Companies used his name to sell products. Cigars, chocolates, and gin were named after him. He earned around 40,000 guilders per year. Jaap Eden spent his money lavishly, especially in Paris.
In 1896, Jaap Eden won another World Championship in skating. It was his last skating title. He turned to professional cycling. In the same year, he became world champion in the 1,000-meter standing start.
Later in life, Jaap Eden faced hardship. He lost his physical strength. He spent his earnings in bars. He sold his medals. He fell into poverty.
In 1915, Jaap Eden retired from cycling. He worked as a newspaper deliverer, salesman, and cycling instructor. Financially, he struggled. He sold his trophies to survive. He battled alcoholism.
Jaap Eden died in Haarlem in 1925 at the age of 51. He had no money for his funeral. His wife sold his remaining trophies to raise funds.
Today, Jaap Eden’s name is still well-known. The annual Dutch Sportsman of the Year award is named after him. In Amsterdam-Oost, the Jaap Eden IJsbaan honors his legacy.
The Jaap Eden IJsbaan opened in 1961. It was the third artificial 400-meter rink in the world. On October 31, 1973, the Jaap Edenhal opened. Besides skating events, it hosted concerts and markets. The Jaap Eden IJsbaan retains the atmosphere of outdoor skating. It reminds us of Jaap Eden’s enduring impact on Dutch sports.