15 Facts About Marianne Timmer

Maria Aaltje Timmer was born on 3 October 1974 and is a Dutch former speed skater specializing in the middle distances.

At the 1998 Winter Olympics Timmer won a gold medal in both these events.

Marianne Timmer broke through at the Junior World Championship in 1994, winning bronze.

Marianne Timmer won gold in the 1000 and 1500 meter races during the 1998 Winter Olympics in Nagano, beating Chris Witty in the 1000m and Gunda Niemann in the 1500m.

At the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City, Marianne Timmer finished 8th in the 500m, fourth in the 1000m, and 21st in the 1500m.

On 18 January 2004, Marianne Timmer became the first Dutch woman to win a World Sprint Speed Skating Championship.

Marianne Timmer was disqualified after a false start in the 500m race, but a week later she surprisingly won gold in the 1000m, beating out favorites Cindy Klassen and Anni Friesinger by a very slim margin.

In January 2008, Marianne Timmer announced she wished to extend her contract with sponsor DSB Bank, until the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and at the end of February 2008 the contract was signed.

On 13 November 2009, Marianne Timmer broke her heel on the 500m, during a World Cup event in Thialf.

Marianne Timmer failed to qualify for the Winter Games in Vancouver.

At the 2011 Dutch Single Distance Championships in Thialf, Marianne Timmer got the third-fastest time on the first 500m, but ran into Marrit Leenstra on the second 500m, and fell.

Marianne Timmer published a biography in 2010, written by Telegraaf journalist Frank Woestenburg.

Marianne Timmer withdrew from the Dutch Sprint Championship on 27 December 2010 after a disappointing 500m on the first day.

Marianne Timmer stopped skating on 28 December 2010, though she said she would remain involved with Team Liga.

Marianne Timmer was previously married to her former coach Peter Mueller.