It's a difference of night and day: the current weather and that in 1997. That year, the fifteenth edition of the traditional 'Elfstedentocht' (ice skating competition in Friesland during which the contestants have to skate through eleven Frisian cities, a total of almost 200 kilometres) took place. It had been eleven years since the last edition, and it has also been the last 'Elfstedentocht' ever since. Back in the days, ice skating was the most efficient way for many Frisians to travel accross the province during winter. Especially because not all could afford a horse to travel. As from 1749, bets were placed who could skate through all eleven cities in Friesland in just one day. In December 1909, the first offical 'Elfstedentocht' was organized. Since then, fifteen official competitions were held.
In 1997, the organizers of the 'Elfstedentocht' decided: It giet oan! (Frisian for 'It's on!). Over 16.000 participants started the race, among which several UT students and staff. One staff member, Johnny Sanderink, even participated for the third time. Because of strong winds, the temperature felt like –15 °C. Alumnus Jeroen Kiestra (Mechanical Engineering '96) even crossed the finished line with a blooded face, after falling a few times. Nevertheless he enjoyed participation in the traditional and iconic 'Elfstedentocht'. However, many other students and staff preferred ice skating closer to home: they skated on UT's frozen ponds, such as during the so-called 'Elfvijvertochten'.
