Dutch Olympic gold medal winners Sven Kramer, Mark Tuitert and Nicolien Sauerbreij have received knighthoods in The Hague.

The three athletes received their royal honours from Sports Minister Ab Klink. Speed skater Sven Kramer won the men's 5000-metre race at the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, but he was disappointed as he had expected to take home two more gold medals. Mark Tuitert's victory in the 1500-metre speed skating race, on the other hand, was a surprise. Snowboarder Nicolien Sauerbreij won gold in an exciting final of the parallel giant slalom.

Skater Ireen Wüst, the fourth athlete to win gold in Vancouver, had already received a royal honour four years ago in Turin in the 3000-metre race. She has been given a free flying lesson as she cannot receive a second knighthood.

The Dutch medal winners also visited Queen Beatrix.