De Boer began his sporting career as a cyclist . After a serious fall, however, he switched to speed skating and became a specialist over 500 meters. At the sprint world championships he was able to place three times in the top ten . His best result was 6th place in 1979 . The following year he qualified for the Winter Olympics in Lake Placid . There he won the bronze medal over 500 meters. His second race, over 1000 meters, he finished in 10th place. In 1981 de Boer won the national sprint championship title. He also qualified for the 1984 Winter Olympics but was not nominated.
After the end of his active career, de Boer worked as a speed skating coach.
Netherlands
