Reinier Paping

Who is Reinier Paping?

Reinier Paping is a Dutch speedskater primarily known as the winner of the Elfstedentocht of 1963. This Elfstedentocht became known as "The hell of '63" when only 69 of the 10,000 contestants were able to finish the race, due to the extremely low temperatures, dipping to -18°C, and a harsh eastern wind.

Before 1963, Paping had participated in several Dutch allround championships, with a 4th place in 1955 as his best result.

Not even halfway the harsh Elfstedentocht of January 18, 1963, Paping skated away from a leading group with Jeen van den Berg, Anton Verhoeven and Jan Uitham, and traveled the rest of the trip alone. Paping finished the race in ten hours and 59 minutes, while the second place finisher, Jan Uitham, arrived fully 22 minutes later. Because of the horrendous conditions, his long solo escape, and the fact that the next Elfstedentocht was not held until 22 years later, Paping became a national hero and the tour itself legendary.