Ice Skating Legend “Reinier Paping” Dies at Age 90
3 min read
The saddest news for the sports world is leading at the top of the news headlines about Reinier Papingโs demise. The winner of Elfstedentocht 1963, the most heroic competition in the history of national sports, Has left the world at the age of 90 years. The news of this demise was confirmed by his family on Monday. First, NOS was informed about this great loss. This year Reinier Paping had completed his 90 years.
Struggle of Reinier Paping During Elfstedentocht 1963
Talking about his achievements Reinier Paping became the winner of Elfstedentocht after facing several Difficulties, on 18th January 1963.
Everyone knew about the story of โthe hell of 1963โ as it became the talk of the nation. In the beginning, the weather condition was at 18 degrees below zero and ice-cold eastern winds were blowing. The entire tour was completed by Reinier Paping in 10 hours 59 minutes in Leeuwarden. He was ahead of Jan Uitham, who was the first pursuer, by 22 minutes.
During his lifetime he was not a rich person but gained huge popularity with his performance in Elfstedentocht in 1963. As per sources, he spent his childhood and was raised in a family that consisted of nine children. Once he received two annual tickets for the ice rink in Deventer along with a silver cigarette box.
Proud moment for Reinier Paping
At the initial stage of his career, Reinier Paping never got the chance to become even the contender of the list, but later he nailed the competition. This experience gave him the authority to say that he had never experienced anything like this again.
After the ride started, the time was running and the ice started deteriorating. The snow began appearing as a barrier for the participants as they were unable to see their path properly. In an interview, Reinier Paping said that he was asking the spectator repeatedly about the distance. He said, โsometimes it was still 6 kilometers, then suddenly 8.โ
After celebrating his 90th birthday, earlier this year, Reinier Paping remembered his days of โThe Hell of 1963โ. He said in an interview, โI felt the best that day and was not afraid of anyone, thanks to a very good condition. I had trained very hard for that trip. It will never be as hard as it was then, I am sure of that.โ
We will miss Reinier Paping as he was such a great legend in the world of sports. Our best wishes and condolences are with his family and friends. May God support them for healing in this hard time.
khushi kanchan
Khushi Kanchan is a content writer, from India, who is pursuing a bachelor's degree in commerce. She has earned experience in writing for technological, financial, and beauty niches and is adaptable to changing content themes. She possesses a quick learning ability that aids her in the creation of reader-friendly content.
