Bob de Jong

Olympic gold medalist and proud girl dad

Bob is a world-renowned athlete known for his outstanding achievements in long distance speed skating. He has won numerous world championships and an Olympic gold medal during his illustrious career. With over 22 years of competitive experience and six Olympic appearances, Bob is unquestionably one of the best endurance skaters in the world. He is also an avid runner and a proud girl dad.

“When I go for a run, it’s a simple process. I don’t think twice. I get dressed, lace up my shoes, and I’m off. I didn’t realize the severity and the scale of female running safety concerns. Is this for real, I wondered? It also never occurred to me that my Olympic colleagues might have to deal with these kinds of challenges in their training, in addition to trying to compete at the highest levels of sport. The research and speaking to many in the running world and in my own community opened my eyes. It's time we create safer environments where every woman and girl can run with the same confidence and freedom that I have always taken for granted."