Jaap Eden - Early Life

Early Life

Jaap Eden was born in Groningen to Johannes Eden and Maria Baale. Eden's mother died of complications from his birth. His father, 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 boy, Eden enjoyed running in dunes near his grandparents's home, gymnastics and, in the winter, skating. His speed and 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 training.

In December 1890, in a short track competition over 160m, Jaap Eden had his first important victory. Eden, 17, was allowed by the Dutch Federation to compete in the world championships.

The championships were organised by the Skating Club of Amsterdam, as there was no international governing body. Only two foreign skaters entered, American Joe Donoghue becoming the first champion1. Eden skated in the shortest two of the four events, placing 3rd and 4th in the half mile and mile, respectively. Eden entered the European Championships in Hamburg, but without any notable success.

Bad weather cancelled the 1892 world championships, while the European Championships that year were only attended by Austrian skaters. Eden did compete in the Prince of Orange Cup in England, where he won his first international competition.

In summer 1892, skating officials from several European countries convened in Scheveningen. The International Skating Union (ISU) was established, and the body's constitution announced annual world championships, over 500 m, 1500 m, 5000 m and 10000 m. The first ISU-governed world championships were to take place on the Museumplein in Amsterdam.