Career
A year later Ykema retired from international competition to work in real estate business. After retiring from skating, Ykema became addicted to cocaine, and this addiction lasted for about 15 years. After he recovered he started giving lessons at secondary schools about his addiction.
In 2008 he returned to competitive speed skating as assistant coach for the APPM team
Personal bests:
500 m – 36.76 (1988)
1000 m – 1:14.24 (1988)
1500 m – 1:59.11 (1988)
5000 m – 8:23.1 (1980)
10000 m – 16:27.3 (1982).
