Itzhak DE LAAT

HELMET DESIGNER
Since the ISU allowed short track helmets to have any designs on them in 2015, he has designed the images on his helmets. "I think one thing reinforces the each other: if I skate well, that stands out, but the helmet also radiates something unique. If I'm in the final that's my unique point, I'm the guy with the sick helmet."

He has also designed helmets for skiers and motorcyclists, among other athletes, including former Dutch football goalkeeper Edwin van der Sar, and teammates Suzanne Schulting, Xandra Velzeboer and Daan Breeuwsma. In July 2020 he launched his own design brand. He believes his skating and design skills are linked. “I think you can see my understanding of both. It is thinking, analysing, solving problems. Both for short track and when spraying a helmet. Designing is a matter of understanding what something will look like. And I think I skate very calculatedly on the ice. But I also feel it: I understand the game.”

Usually sprays in the off-season so it does not distract from competition. “Spraying is satisfying, but it certainly costs energy. I'm not going to start on a helmet in a competition week; then I'll go crazy because it's in my head all the time. That is why I prefer to do it out of season.”

After the death of teammate Lara van Ruijven in 2020, he designed a panther print heart in her honour which features on all the Dutch national short track team training bikes. (heerenveensecourant.nl, 29 Jul 2020, schaatsen.nl, 14 Oct 2020, frieschdagblad.nl, 25 Feb 2021, ad.nl, 06 Mar 2021)

STEPPING OUT OF THE SHADOWS
After finishing sixth in the 1500m at the PyeongChang 2018 Olympic Winter Games, in which his compatriot Sjinkie Knegt won silver, he looked forward to establishing his own name in the future. "Everyone's telling me, 'You're going to be the next Sjinkie'. But no, I'm going to be the first Itzhak."

After he won silver in the 1500m at the 2020 European Championships, national team coach Jeroen Otter (NED) said, "He is now finally coming out of the shadow of Sjinkie. Itzhak is the high school type. Creative, not extroverted. But he finally showed today that he doesn't have to be afraid." De Laat added, "I'm not like Suzanne (Schulting) and Sjinkie. But I've always thought: there are several roads that lead to Rome." (china.org.cn, 11 Feb 2018, lc.nl, 25 Jan 2020)

© Data by Sports Data Warehouse

Fourth in the mixed team relay at the Beijing 2022 Olympic Winter Games and fifth in the 1000m.

Three-time European 5000m relay champion in 2017, 2018 and 2021. Two-time European silver medallist in 5000m relay in 2019 and 2020.

European and World silver medallist in 1500m in 2020 and 2021 respectively.

Four-time World Cup gold medallist in 5000m and 2000m relay.