~ The team, sponsored by IKO Europe, secures two gold medals, sets personal records ~
Calgary, AB – January 30, 2025 – IKO North America congratulates Team IKO X2O for their extraordinary display of speed, strength, and skill at the ISU World Cup Speed Skating Competition held in Calgary from January 24-26, 2025. The team delivered stellar performances, setting five personal bests and securing two gold medals, gliding into the hearts of fans and the record books.
The event featured top skaters from over 30 countries, all competing for medals and world records on ‘The Fastest Ice in the World.’ Sponsored by IKO Europe, Team IKO X2O boasts some of the fastest skaters in the world, including world champion Joy Beune and Olympic champion Bart Swings. Beune was crowned world all-round champion in winter 2024 and also claimed gold in the 5000 meters at the World Single Distances Championships. During their visit to Calgary for the championship, the team toured IKO’s Calgary plant, where they met with employees, shared their inspiring stories, and celebrated their strong connection with IKO North America.
“It was a privilege to host team IKO X2O at our Calgary facility,” said David Schaffer, Director of Commercial Sales, Canada at IKO. “The employees had an amazing time chatting with them and hearing their stories. We were all cheering them on as they raced, and we couldn’t be more thrilled with their incredible wins. We’re proud to support them on their journey and seeing them prove themselves on the rink with such remarkable results was the icing on the cake!”
Martin Ten Hove, Coach and Team Manager of IKO X20 echoed his thoughts. “It was a truly memorable experience for the team to be at the IKO Calgary facility,” he said. “IKO Europe has been an integral partner to us for many years, and it was an honor to visit the very place where IKO’s story began. Being there was a reminder of the shared values of excellence and dedication that unite us, and we’re proud to continue this legacy together.”
Team IKO X2O Highlights
- Joy Beune: Dominated with two gold medals and personal bests in the 5000 meters (6:45.76) and 1500 meters (1:51.72).
- Bart Swings: Set a national record (Belgian) in the 10,000 meters (12:53.86), breaking his decade-old record.
- Marten Liiv: Shone in the 1000 meters (1:07.14) and set a national record (Estonian) in the 500 meters (34.31).
- Sebas Diniz: Improved his 500-meter personal best to 34.41, showcasing his recovery from an injury.
- Mats van den Bos: Finished strong in the B-group 500 meters with a time of 34.59.
Sebas Diniz (Left) and Joy Beune (Center and Right) at ISU World Cup, Calgary; PC: Team IKO X20’s Instagram
The 2024-25 ISU Speed Skating World Cup is a premier international competition, spanning six events. The season kicked off on 22 November 2024 in Nagano, Japan, and will conclude on 2 March 2025 in Heerenveen, Netherlands. The third event of the season took place at Calgary’s Olympic Oval, famously known as The Fastest Ice in the World. The next event is scheduled for 31 January to 2 February 2025 in Milwaukee, US.
About IKO
IKO is a worldwide leader in the roofing, waterproofing and insulation industry for residential and commercial markets. A vertically integrated company, IKO operates more than 35 manufacturing plants throughout North America and Europe. IKO is a family-owned business established in 1951.
www.iko.com/na
Media Contact: Srishti Sharma
Srishti.Sharma@hss-enterprises.com
