She said goodbye to the crowded enclosure at Thialf Heerenveen in the Netherlands, considered a mecca for skaters.

The ring hosts the last World Cup events of the season.

"It wasn't the best race but I enjoyed every moment," she told Dutch public television NOS.

"I couldn't have imagined a nicer farewell."

Ireen Wüst finished fourth in the 1500m, a distance she won for the third time at the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

She was only the third in speed skating history to achieve such an Olympic treble over the same distance.

According to sports data provider Gracenote, Wüst was the first sportswoman to win five individual Olympic titles at five different Olympics, whether Summer or Winter Games.

The world of speed skating paid tribute to him on Saturday evening, as well as to his compatriot Sven Kramer, another legend of the sport, winner of three consecutive Olympic titles in the 5000m in 2010, 2014 and 2018.

Kramer, 35, is considered one of the best speed skaters in history with his nine Olympic medals, including four gold, and his nine crowns of all around world champion.

He ended his career after the 2022 Beijing Olympics.

© 2022 AFP