Irene Schouten

Irene Schouten (Dutch pronunciation: [iˈreːnə ˈsxʌutə(n)]; born 21 June 1992) is a retired Dutch speed skater who competed in allround marathon and inline-skating events. She is a five-time Olympic medalist and a triple Olympic Champion, having won the 3,000m, 5,000m, and mass start events at the 2022 Beijing Games. As of 12 February 2022, she holds the Olympic record in both distances (3000m & 5000m). Her coach is Jillert Anema. Schouten has announced that she is retiring as a competing speed skater.

On 2 March 2014, Schouten finished in third place at the 2014 Dutch Allround Championships and qualified for the 2014 World Allround Championships in Thialf, Heerenveen. At the 2018 Winter Olympic Games, she won the bronze medal in the mass start event.

At the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, Schouten became the most successful Dutch Olympic athlete of the event by winning four medals, including three gold. In comparison: Schouten would have ranked 13th in the overall medal ranking by country, by herself, outscoring the entire athlete delegations of notable wintersport nations like Italy and South Korea. Schouten is the current Olympic and Dutch record holder in the 5000 metres.

In February 2024, Schouten announced her retirement from competitions.