Jaap Eden

Jacobus Johannes "Jaap" Eden (October 19, 1873 – February 2, 1925) was a Dutch athlete. As of 2004, he is the only person to have won world championship titles in both speed skating and cycling. His successes made him very popular with the public, and he may be considered the first sports hero in the Netherlands.

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Jaap Eden was born in Groningen to Johannes Eden and Maria Baale. Eden's mother died of complications from his birth. His father, too busy with his job as a gymnastics teacher, could not take care of the baby alone, and sent him to his grandparents, who owned a hotel near Santpoort. As a young boy, Eden enjoyed sports, such as running (which he practised in the dunes near his grandparents's home), gymnastics and, in the winter, skating. His speed and good skating technique were noticed by the best Dutch skater at the time, Klaas Pander, and he invited the 15-year-old Eden to join him in training.

October 19: October 19 is the 291st day of the year (292nd in leap years) in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 73 days remaining....

1873: 1873 was a common year starting on Wednesday (see link for calendar)....

February 2: February 2 is the 33rd day of the year in the Gregorian Calendar. There are 332 days remaining (333 in leap years)....

Jaap Eden related Images and Photos (experimental)

Eden Riegel	Mark Eden	Eden Bay Lighthouse	Eden Hashish Centre
Eden Hashish Centre	East of Eden: Special Edition (Dbl DVD)	East Of Eden	Weary in Eden
Actress Barbara Eden Holding Up Jeannie Doll	The Garden of Eden 1659	East of Eden James Dean Lois Smith Julie Harris Jo Van Fleet 1955	Through the Eyes of Eden IV