In a stunning display of athleticism and endurance, 40-year-old Jorrit Bergsma has etched his name into Olympic history by becoming the oldest long track speedskating gold medalist ever. His victory in the mass start event at the Milan Cortina Games on Saturday, 21 February 2026, shattered previous age records, marking a monumental achievement in the sport.
A Historic Victory at Age 40
Bergsma's triumph was not just a win but a celebration of longevity and skill. As he crossed the finish line far ahead of his competitors, he spread his arms wide, blew kisses to the roaring Dutch fans clad in orange, and even applauded them back. His performance was so dominant that he had ample time to savor the moment, with his gold medal hanging proudly from his neck.
"Unbelievable. Unbelievable," Bergsma exclaimed afterward. "I'm a 40-year-old guy... It is crazy. This one was really unexpected." His words echoed the astonishment felt by many, as he surpassed the previous record held by Ireen Wust, who was 35 when she won gold for the Netherlands at the 2022 Beijing Games. For men, the record had stood for nearly a century, belonging to Clas Thunberg, who was 34 at the 1928 St. Moritz Olympics.
Reactions from the Skating Community
The skating world was quick to praise Bergsma's feat. Jordan Stolz, a 21-year-old American skater who finished fourth in the event, described it as "super incredible." He added, "He's super nice, super relaxed." Stolz's coach, Bob Corby, called the performance "pretty phenomenal," highlighting the rarity of such an achievement in a sport often dominated by younger athletes.
Stolz expressed surprise that no other racers attempted to chase down Bergsma during the 16-lap race, after he and eventual silver medalist Viktor Hald Thorup of Denmark took an early lead. Bergsma himself was stunned by the lack of response from the pack. "I knew... this final is going to be a tough one. It's going to be a tough cookie. Nobody wanted to do the first move, so I did it," he said. "I didn't expect it. Nobody responded. Nobody wanted to close the gap for each other. I'm still mind blown that I won the gold medal here today."
A Career of Consistency and Longevity
This gold medal adds to Bergsma's impressive Olympic haul, which includes a gold in the 10,000 meters and a bronze in the 5,000 at the 2014 Sochi Olympics, a silver in the 10,000 in 2018, and a bronze at that distance in the current Games. His victory at age 40 underscores the maturity and longevity possible in speedskating, as noted by fellow competitors.
Mia Manganello, a 36-year-old American who took bronze in the women's mass start, joked after what she said would be her final race that she didn't want her coach to hear about Bergsma's achievement. "So well-deserved. He's a great racer, a great competitor," she said. "It shows this sport has a lot of maturity and the longevity of it."
Bergsma's win not only sets a new benchmark for age in Olympic speedskating but also inspires athletes worldwide, proving that with dedication and skill, age is no barrier to greatness. The Milan Cortina Games will be remembered for this historic moment, where a 40-year-old skater defied expectations and claimed gold.
