Kramer improves 5,000m speed skating world record

0 Comments | AFP, March, 2007

CALGARY, Canada (AFP) — Dutch speed skater Sven Kramer broke his own world record in the 5,000m here Saturday in winning the event at the ISU World Cup finale at the Calgary Olympic Oval.

Kramer, the Olympic silver medallist, clocked 6min 07.48sec, eclipsing his previous world mark of 6:08.78 set November 11, 2005 in Salt Lake City.

Last month, in front of his home fans in Heerenveen, Kramer earned the overall world championship crown with a performance that included a world record in the 10,000m.

Kramer's compatriot Carl Verheijen was a distant second in 6:12.75 and Enrico Fabris of Italy third in 6:14.20.

The podium matched the final World Cup distance standings. Kramer captured the World Cup crown with 550 points from the six races, with Verheijen...