Ted-Jan Bloemen, the Canadian long-distance speed skater, is preparing to conclude his competitive career at the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milano Cortina, aiming to create lasting memories with his young children present.
ISU Skating, the official news outlet based in Switzerland, reports on Bloemen’s plans for his concluding season.
At 39 years old, Bloemen reflected on his approach as he prepares for what will be his third and final Olympic Games. He highlighted the motivation that comes with knowing it is his last competition, saying that it offers a refreshing perspective and drive to perform his best one final time. The 2018 Olympic champion in the 10,000 meters expressed his anticipation for competing on the global stage with his children, aged three and six, watching him.
Bloemen faced challenges last season, with no podium finishes in the long-distance World Cup or World Championships. However, during the current season’s second World Cup event, he was among four skaters who surpassed the longstanding 5000m track record, originally set by Sven Kramer in 2007. Bloemen earned a bronze medal at the event, an achievement he described as a significant confidence boost and a sign that his adjustments in training were effective.
After experiencing a decline in some physical strength that affected his technique, Bloemen modified his training regime over the summer to regain his competitive edge. His recent race results confirmed that his efforts to return to medal contention were successful, providing a sense of relief. Nonetheless, he acknowledged the increasingly high level of competition in men’s long-distance speed skating this Olympic season.
Balancing fatherhood with an elite athletic career has been central to Bloemen’s life since the births of his daughter in 2019 and son in 2022. He noted that maintaining this balance has been challenging, especially during the previous season, but praised his wife’s support as instrumental in managing family and training commitments. Together, they are committed to making the most of this final Olympic campaign.
