Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong was awarded the Pahud de Mortanges Trophy for her contributions beyond sport, recognizing her societal impact, particularly through her foundation supporting bullied children.
Schaatsen.nl, a Dutch sports news outlet, reported on the award ceremony held at the Thialf ice rink in Heerenveen.
On August 10, during the first opportunity of the season for Dutch elite speed skaters to train on the Thialf ice, Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong was presented with the Pahud de Mortanges Trophy. The award ceremony took place after the morning training session, with Anneke van Zanen-Nieberg, chairperson of NOC*NSF, and Andre Cats, director of elite sports at NOC*NSF, personally presenting the trophy to her.
The Olympic 1500 meter champion received the trophy in recognition of her positive influence in society. She established the Antoinette Foundation last year, which aims to restore confidence in children who have experienced bullying. Her work gained considerable attention following her Olympic gold medal at the Milan Games, where she shared a message of hope, emphasizing that there is always light at the end of the tunnel and that dreams can come true through self-acceptance.
The Pahud de Mortanges Trophy was previously only awarded during Olympic years but has been given annually since 2023 to an inspiring personality in sport. Antoinette Rijpma-de Jong is the eighth speed skater to receive the trophy. The award is named after Charles Pahud de Mortanges, a military equestrian who won four gold and one silver medal at the Summer Olympic Games of 1924, 1928, and 1932.
