Krook, who also coached the West German team, became a household name in the speed skating community after his efforts in the 1980s and 1990s.

He first took charge of the Dutch women's team in 1977 where he started his career and at the Lake Placid 1980 Winter Olympics, he led the pair of Annie Borckink and Ria Visser to Olympic gold and silver respectively.

Between 1981 and 1988, Krook then coached the national team of West Germany, returning to coach the men's national team of The Netherlands after his time ended in the neighbouring nation.

Back with the Dutch, he led Leo Visser and Falco Zandstra to International Skating Union (ISU) World Allround Speed Skating titles in 1989 and 1993.

He also coached Bart Veldkamp when he took gold in the 10,000 metres at the Albertville 1992 Olympics and from 1996 to 2006 he served at the Dutch Speed Skating Federation as top sports coordinator, finishing his coaching career when he guided Bob de Jong to Olympic gold in the 10,000m at Turin 2006.

It was not the first time that Krook had suffered a stroke after recovering from one in 2018, but the second one proved to be fatal, dying on October 13.

"The speed skating world loses an inspired professional," said Herman de Haan, director of the Dutch Speed Skating Federation.

"Ab was very much involved with speed skating and he was knowledgeable, even after his retirement."

Tributes flooded in from some of The Netherlands' top speed skaters including Sochi 2014 Olympic champion Koen Verweij and six-time world champion Erben Wennemars.