Koen Verweij
[1] On 30 December 2007 Verweij skated his first 10 km race at the Dutch all-round championships at the Kardinge ice track in Groningen.He finished the tournament in fifth position which resulted in his qualification as first reserve skater for the European all-round championship in Kolomna.[2] This was a remarkable accomplishment, since he was a junior at that moment, and posted faster times than Sven Kramer skated at the same age.His season was crowned with a victory at the World Junior Skating championships where he won the 3000 m, the 5000 m, the all-round title, and the team pursuit.Because of these outstanding results he won the Egbert van't Oever Encouragement award for the best young Dutch skater.