Bart Veldkamp, the 1990 European allround champion in speed skating, has shifted his focus from professional sports to ventures in Arctic exploration and digital autonomy, applying lessons learned from his athletic career to new challenges.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch news outlet, reported on Veldkamp’s journey from competitive skating to his current enterprises.
Initially, Veldkamp considered his success in skating to be primarily about technical skills such as adopting a deeper posture, pushing sideways efficiently, and receiving coaching. Over time, he recognized that factors like focus, self-confrontation, discipline, rhythm, timing, and persistence under changing conditions were equally important. He emphasizes that the core of sport is about maximizing one’s potential, a principle that resonates throughout his endeavors beyond skating.
After retiring from professional skating at 38, Veldkamp ceased competitive involvement without nostalgia or desire to return to the sport. Although he sometimes misses the physical fitness associated with intensive training, he does not miss the pressure to perform. One key benefit he retains from his athletic background is the ability to access opportunities more easily, as his sports career opens doors and commands attention that might otherwise be harder to achieve.
Currently, Veldkamp’s activities span two seemingly contrasting fields: software development and Arctic expeditions, combining artificial intelligence with challenging natural environments. Despite the apparent disparity, both his company MiValta, which empowers users to control their data, and Arcticnomads, which helps people manage their attention, share a focus on autonomy, awareness, and simplicity. In both ventures, Veldkamp acts as a mentor, builder, and guide, maintaining an active role whether physically or conceptually engaged.