Kramer takes gold at first Olympic trial   

By The Holland Times Monday 15 February 2010, 16:02

Sven Kramer had to wait over 24 hours for the honour, but it was worth it. The 23-year-old Friesian was awarded the gold medal on 14 February after winning the 5,000 meter race on Saturday.

Over 5 million Dutch viewers watched as Kramer set an Olympic record in the event, clocking 6 minutes and 14.60 seconds. 

When the Wilhelmus was played for Kramer, he looked proudly at the Dutch flag. Unlike Saturday, tears were absent from his face. "Immediately after a race is when it's all emotional,' said the TVM rider, adding ''I really did not expect so many people here. At one point I looked up and I even saw a stand with people.'' 

Kramer starts training again Monday for the 1,500 meter, which will be finished Saturday. ''For nine hours in the morning I am back on the ice. I must get to work'', he said with a wink.