Reinier Paping

Reinier Paping in 1963

Reinier Paping (born 18 February 1931, in Dedemsvaart) is a Dutch speedskater primarily known as the winner of the Elfstedentocht of 1963. This Elfstedentocht became known as "The hell of '63" when only 69 of the 9.292 contestants^[1] were able to finish the race, due to the extremely low temperatures, dipping to −18 °C, and a harsh eastern wind.

After winning the race, he was recognized as a national hero in the Netherlands.

Early life[]

Paping was born on 18 February 1931 in Dedemsvaart.

Skating career[]

Before 1963, Paping had participated in several Dutch allround championships, with a 4th place in 1955 as his best result.

The 1963 Elfstedentocht[]

Not even halfway through the harsh Elfstedentocht of January 18, 1963, Paping skated away from a leading group with Jeen van den Berg, and , and travelled the rest of the trip alone. Paping finished the race in ten hours and 59 minutes, while the second-place finisher, Jan Uitham, arrived a full 22 minutes later. Because of the horrendous conditions—which included bone-chilling cold of −18 °C—his long solo escape, and the fact that the next Elfstedentocht was not held until 22 years later, Paping became a national hero and the tour itself legendary.^[2]

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